Traveling Man Treasures Curiosity Vault is selling this simple yet powerful "Zemi" statue, a hand-carved from one piece of dense naturally formed stalactite/stalagmite. This stunning tribal piece would have been made by the Taíno peoples, most likely during the late 19th century. The Zemi is in good-to-fair condition, with nicks, chips, and other light surface wear commensurate with its age.

The Taíno were an indigenous people of the Caribbean, primarily inhabiting the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico) at the time of European contact

In Taíno culture, a "Zemí" is a spiritual being or deity, often represented by a sculptural object. These figures were imbued with ancestral and supernatural power and were used in rituals and veneration. Zemís could depict various figures, including spiritual healers, rulers, and even the spirit of cassava, the Taíno's main crop.

DIMENSIONS:

10.75" H x 3" W x 4.5" D