**First Time At Auction**

Pre-Columbian, Hispaniola, Greater Antilles Islands, Taino/ Arawak Indians, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. Among the only items specifically referenced by Spanish chroniclers of the 15th century, a quintessential example of a three pointer stone with a large conically formed central raised point, the Zemi figure face with meticulously pecked and incised skeletal features, i.e. those round deep-socketed eyes, prominent nasal cavity, wide open mouth, and double-lobed ears. Size: 8" L x 3.625" W x 5.4" H (20.3 cm x 9.2 cm x 13.7 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. Tainos 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. A similar three-pointer example is shown in fig. 29a, p. 117 in "The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus", (Irving Rouse, 1992).

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#177926

Professionally repaired with areas of restoration, resurfacing, and overpainting along break lines. Abrasions, light earthen deposits, and scattered areas of staining, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to most finer details.