Taino Culture Owl idol 10th to 15th Century AD Stone Owl Zemí Idol - 9 cm
12
days
10
hours
28
minutes
19
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 750 - € 900
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Taíno Limestone Owl Zemí Idol, dating to the 10th–15th Century AD, dimensions 90 × 46 × 20 mm, weight 93.76 g, in excellent condition, an original Zemí amulet depicting an anthropomorphic owl.
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Description from the seller
Taíno Limestone Owl Zemí Idol – 10th to 15th Century AD
Finely carved in limestone, this Taino zemi amulet represents an anthropomorphic owl figure with highly stylized eyes, feather motifs, and a compact posture. The surface displays significant patination, with deep swirling engravings covering the front and back. The head is oversized and abstracted, a common feature in Taino iconography associated with spiritual or mythological beings. The figure features two perforations near the neck, suggesting it was worn as a pendant or ritual object. Such owl-like zemis are often linked to nocturnal power, ancestral vision, or protective functions. The two perforations and carved decoration suggest a symbolic or ceremonial function.
Material: Limestone
Dimensions: 90 × 46 × 20 mm
Weight: 93.76 g
Provenance: Acquired in 2025 in Germany, from an old private German collection acquired in the 1980s.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Taíno Limestone Owl Zemí Idol – 10th to 15th Century AD
Finely carved in limestone, this Taino zemi amulet represents an anthropomorphic owl figure with highly stylized eyes, feather motifs, and a compact posture. The surface displays significant patination, with deep swirling engravings covering the front and back. The head is oversized and abstracted, a common feature in Taino iconography associated with spiritual or mythological beings. The figure features two perforations near the neck, suggesting it was worn as a pendant or ritual object. Such owl-like zemis are often linked to nocturnal power, ancestral vision, or protective functions. The two perforations and carved decoration suggest a symbolic or ceremonial function.
Material: Limestone
Dimensions: 90 × 46 × 20 mm
Weight: 93.76 g
Provenance: Acquired in 2025 in Germany, from an old private German collection acquired in the 1980s.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Details
Culture
Taino Culture Owl idol 10th to 15th Century AD
Century/timeframe
10th to 15th Century AD
Name of object
Owl Zemí Idol
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2028
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
9 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
46 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
20 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
