Lesser and Greater Antilles, Caribbean Stone Ceremonial Axe, Taíno Culture - 42 cm
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Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 850 - € 1,000
 | €2 |
|---|
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This 16th-century Taino ceremonial axe is carved from polished stone and depicts a zemi.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This carved and polished stone staff is a remarkable example of the artistic skill of Taíno artisans.
Plain staffs had a practical function and often served as axe heads (the ovoid stones were attached to long wooden handles for this purpose).
Carved examples doubtless belonged to Taíno chiefs, or caciques, who used them as symbols of authority and wealth.
This example depicts a zemí, the physical manifestation of a god, spirit, or ancestor.
The Taíno were polytheistic and worshipped a number of deities whom they believed controlled the elements, the success of crops, and fertility.
Green stone, sometimes translucent around the figure. Taíno culture, Dominican Republic,
Provenance: French private collection, acquired before 1970
Minor damage
Approximate weight: 0.880 kg
The stand is not included
This carved and polished stone staff is a remarkable example of the artistic skill of Taíno artisans.
Plain staffs had a practical function and often served as axe heads (the ovoid stones were attached to long wooden handles for this purpose).
Carved examples doubtless belonged to Taíno chiefs, or caciques, who used them as symbols of authority and wealth.
This example depicts a zemí, the physical manifestation of a god, spirit, or ancestor.
The Taíno were polytheistic and worshipped a number of deities whom they believed controlled the elements, the success of crops, and fertility.
Green stone, sometimes translucent around the figure. Taíno culture, Dominican Republic,
Provenance: French private collection, acquired before 1970
Minor damage
Approximate weight: 0.880 kg
The stand is not included
Details
Culture
Lesser and Greater Antilles, Caribbean
Century/timeframe
16th century AD
Name of object
Ceremonial Axe, Taíno Culture
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
1987
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
42 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1987
Width
19 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
