Description:

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean Islands, Taino, 15th century CE. A stone elliptical collar or yoke, most likely part of the regalia for the ceremonial ballgame which was played with rubber balls and colorfully described by Spanish chroniclers. This ballgame yoke is carved with an expressive wide-eyed visage at one end, perhaps belonging to a frog or serpent, perhaps a pars-pro-toto (partial aspect) of a zemi (or cemi) figure featured in Taino mythology. According to the Metropolitan Museum curatorial team, "Zemi refers not to an object or image but to an immaterial, spiritual, and vital force pertaining to deities and ancestors. There are several known zemi identities recorded by the Spanish, some of which have been linked to archaeological images." A well preserved and very rare example! Size: 8.875" L x 6.75" W x 2.375" H (22.5 cm x 17.1 cm x 6 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.

A Taino stone yoke (somewhat larger but not with such figural decoration) sold for $24,000 at Bonhams San Francisco - 9 June 2008, lot 6366

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex Kalina collection, California, USA

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#157079

  • Condition: Normal surface wear commensurate with age. Scattered mineral deposits. Otherwise excellent, intact, with vivid carving.

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December 3, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000