Caribbean, probably Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, or Jamaica, Taino, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A special ceremonial implement for the Cohoba ritual, boldly carved with a skeletal Zemi figure (a being housing a god, spirit, or ancestor), its form meticulously delineated (notice the spine and ribcage visible on the backside) donning a tall, elaborately incised headdress and holding its hands underneath its open mouth, all hand-carved from manatee bone that is the process of fossilizing and curved with attenuated, tapering tips to fit down the throat of a shaman in order to induce purging. During this ceremony, Cohoba powder traditionally has been inhaled to produce hallucinogenic effects and visions that the Tainos interpret as apparitions of spirits who deliver important messages. Similar examples are illustrated in "Tainos, Loving People, The Last Civilization of the Caribbean," by Bernard Michant, 2010, pp. 100-103. A very rare ceremonial vomiting stick, replete with impressive carving technique and symbolic iconography, used for both literal and symbolic spiritual purging. Custom stand. Size: 13" L (33 cm); 11.75" H (29.8 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection

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#117247

Repair to small suspension loop else near choice with great olkd surface deposits and patina