Lot 106
Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino / Arawak Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A massive and marvelous 3-pointed stone known as a trigonolith! Among the only items specifically referenced by Spanish chroniclers of the 15th century, this quintessential example displays a tall conical point composing the central body, a Zemi face on the front point, and a knob-like extension with a raised band on the verso. The Zemi face is characteristically abstract and presents with huge, sunken eyes beneath a protruding brow, a prominent nose with flared nostrils, and an open mouth with gritted teeth, all flanked by a pair of rectangular ears. The rounded knob at the top suggests a mammiform aspect to the central point. An intricate and fabulous example from ancient Hispaniola! Size: 10.5" L x 3.8" W x 6.4" H (26.7 cm x 9.7 cm x 16.3 cm)
Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of "zemis". The term zemi refers to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. The Zemi (or Cemi) stone, with its characteristic three cardinal points, is a fundamental symbol in the Taino religion. The Taino traditionally name the three points "Yocahu Bagua Maorocoti" -- another word for the Creator, Yaya. Zemis like this example are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. The uppermost point represents the top of this sacred mountain peak, in the turey (sky) of the four directions, where Yaya - the Creator, whose name means that which has neither beginning nor end and which has no male ancestor or creator - resides. The 'chin' point represents Coabey, the underworld or place of the dead. Here Hupia, the spirit of the dead, resides, and the face of Guayaba, the Chief of Coabey, is represented. Finally, the opposite point represents the land of the living where Goiz, the spirit of living people, resides.
This piece was exhibited in the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, Arkansas from February 1st, 2017 to 2019 as part of the "Coming to America - The Taino" exhibit. Additionally, the piece was published in "The creative genius of the first Americans Bentonville's Museum of Native American History houses world-class collection" by Jenny Boulden in Arkansas Living Magazine on March 1, 2017.
Provenance: private J. Hart Collection, Houston, Texas, USA, acquired mid-1970's; ex-MONAH, Bentonville, Arkansas, USA, February 1st, 2017 to 2019; ex-R. Harrison "Essex" collection; ex-Wilfred Belmar collection, 1930s-1940s
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#174536
- Condition: Nice signs of age with minor nicks, abrasions, and some minimal softening to finer details. Small chip to one side of knob. Otherwise, intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits throughout.
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