Taino Culture 10th to 15th Century AD Stone Zemi Idol - 18 cm
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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 Stone Zemi Idol from the Dominican Republic, dating to the 10th–15th century AD, made of stone, 18 cm high, in excellent condition, authentic/original, acquired in Germany from a private collection in 2025.
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Description from the seller
Taíno Stone Zemi Idol – Dominican Republic – 10th to 15th Century AD
A finely carved Taíno stone zemi idol from the Dominican Republic, dating to the 10th to 15th Century AD. The figure is represented in the characteristic compact crouching position, with the knees drawn upward and the arms resting across them. The strongly stylized head features large circular eyes, a projecting nose and prominent horizontal lips, while carefully incised lines articulate the hands, feet and facial details. The elongated cranial form and highly schematic treatment of the body are characteristic of Taíno stone sculpture. Zemis (cemís) embodied ancestral beings, deities or supernatural powers and occupied an important place in Taíno religious and ceremonial life throughout the Greater Antilles. The dark green-grey stone has been carefully shaped and polished, while retaining areas of surface wear and mineral variation consistent with the age and character of the object.
Material: Stone
Culture: Taíno, Dominican Republic
Date: 10th to 15th Century AD
Dimensions: 18 cm
Provenance: Acquired in Germany. From a German private collection assembled before 1980.
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 in accordance with European law.
Taíno Stone Zemi Idol – Dominican Republic – 10th to 15th Century AD
A finely carved Taíno stone zemi idol from the Dominican Republic, dating to the 10th to 15th Century AD. The figure is represented in the characteristic compact crouching position, with the knees drawn upward and the arms resting across them. The strongly stylized head features large circular eyes, a projecting nose and prominent horizontal lips, while carefully incised lines articulate the hands, feet and facial details. The elongated cranial form and highly schematic treatment of the body are characteristic of Taíno stone sculpture. Zemis (cemís) embodied ancestral beings, deities or supernatural powers and occupied an important place in Taíno religious and ceremonial life throughout the Greater Antilles. The dark green-grey stone has been carefully shaped and polished, while retaining areas of surface wear and mineral variation consistent with the age and character of the object.
Material: Stone
Culture: Taíno, Dominican Republic
Date: 10th to 15th Century AD
Dimensions: 18 cm
Provenance: Acquired in Germany. From a German private collection assembled before 1980.
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 in accordance with European law.
Details
Culture
Taino Culture 10th to 15th Century AD
Century/timeframe
10th to 15th Century AD
Name of object
Zemi Idol
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
18 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
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.
