Lot 7
Pre-Columbian, Caribbean, Taino, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A forceful visage emerges from this smooth, weighty stone, its bulging eyes and open mouth captured in geometric rhythms - a striking embodiment of the Taino spirit world carved into a trigonolith zemi. These three-pointed stone idols played a central role in the religious and ceremonial lives of the Taino, the Indigenous Arawakan-speaking peoples of the Caribbean. This example, carved from fine-grained brown stone, takes the canonical trigonolith form - a compact triangular body with a prominent carved face rising from one side. The sculpted facial features are deeply incised and stylized, with large circular eyes, an exaggerated open mouth, and a projecting nose outlined in relief. Complex swirling motifs and linear hatching cover the surface, creating dynamic patterns believed to hold symbolic significance and power. Size: 7.9" L x 3.4" W x 10.6" H (20.1 cm x 8.6 cm x 26.9 cm); 12.5" H (31.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Zemis were considered living embodiments of spirits - ancestral, natural, or supernatural - and were fed, anointed, and consulted for guidance. Their three-pointed shape may represent the mountains from which cassava, the staple food, was thought to originate, or the link between earth, sky, and the spiritual realm. This icon's intense expression and formal stylization reflect the hallmarks of Taino artistry, combining sacred function with commanding presence. Highly desirable for collectors of Pre-Columbian and Caribbean ritual art, this zemi channels the voice of a complex spiritual culture that thrived long before European contact but continues to resonate through its sculpted legacy.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195309
- Condition: A few small chips and minor abrasions, but, otherwise, intact and excellent with impressive preservation of detail.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |