Taino Culture 10th to 15th Century AD Stone Land of Idol - 14.9 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 3,600 - € 4,400
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Taíno Zemí idol in serpentine greenstone, a seated anthropomorphic Taíno sculpture from the 10th–15th century AD, measuring 14.9 × 7.3 × 3.8 cm and kept in excellent condition, originally acquired in Germany from a private collection and authenticated with a digitally sent Certificate of Authenticity.
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Description from the seller
Taino Serpentine Zemí Idol – 10th to 15th Century AD
Faine carved Taíno idol in greenstone, serpentine, depicting a seated anthropomorphic figure with prominent facial features, raised arms, bent legs, and deeply incised decorative details across the head, arms, hands, and lower body. The figure displays the powerful stylized form characteristic of Taíno ritual sculpture, with an imposing frontal presence and a dark green-black polished surface showing natural wear, mineral traces, and age-related surface abrasions. Idols of this type were connected to the spiritual world of the Taíno people of the Caribbean, where carved stone figures were used as sacred objects associated with ancestral power, fertility, protection, and ceremonial practice. Its compact but highly expressive form, detailed carving, and attractive hardstone material make it a strong example of Taíno sculptural art.
Material: Serpentine
Dimensions: 14.9 × 7.3 × 3.8 cm
Weight: xx
Provenance: Acquired in Germany from a German private collection formed during 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.
Taino Serpentine Zemí Idol – 10th to 15th Century AD
Faine carved Taíno idol in greenstone, serpentine, depicting a seated anthropomorphic figure with prominent facial features, raised arms, bent legs, and deeply incised decorative details across the head, arms, hands, and lower body. The figure displays the powerful stylized form characteristic of Taíno ritual sculpture, with an imposing frontal presence and a dark green-black polished surface showing natural wear, mineral traces, and age-related surface abrasions. Idols of this type were connected to the spiritual world of the Taíno people of the Caribbean, where carved stone figures were used as sacred objects associated with ancestral power, fertility, protection, and ceremonial practice. Its compact but highly expressive form, detailed carving, and attractive hardstone material make it a strong example of Taíno sculptural art.
Material: Serpentine
Dimensions: 14.9 × 7.3 × 3.8 cm
Weight: xx
Provenance: Acquired in Germany from a German private collection formed during 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 10th to 15th Century AD
Century/timeframe
10th to 15th Century AD
Name of object
Land of Idol
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
14.9 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
7.3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
3.8 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
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.
