Taino Item 034. Steatite. Dutch export permit Hatchet - 16 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 3,500 - € 4,500
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Taíno ceremonial birdstone axe dating to ca. AD 1000–1500, carved in chloritized steatite with spiral motifs, measuring 160 × 95 × 29 mm and weighing 299 g, from the Dominican Republic and in excellent condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Taíno Ceremonial Birdstone Axe – AD 1000 to 1500 – 160x95x29 mm – 299 g
This elegant stone axe, carved in the form of a bird with outstretched wings and engraved spiral motifs, exemplifies the symbolic and ritualistic artistry of the Taíno people of the Caribbean. The figure combines utilitarian design with spiritual meaning, as avian imagery was deeply linked to shamanic flight, ancestral spirits, and cosmological beliefs in Taíno culture.
Fashioned from a dense, dark chloritized steatite, the object features a polished surface, smooth contours, and expertly incised lines forming the eyes and stylized feathers. The finely executed symmetry and refined craftsmanship suggest this axe likely held ceremonial rather than functional value, used in elite or spiritual contexts rather than as a tool of labor or war.
The weight, material, and smooth wear patterns are consistent with known examples from the Greater Antilles, particularly Hispaniola or Puerto Rico, where such bird effigy axes were venerated and often buried with high-ranking individuals.
• Material: Chloritized steatite
• Dimensions: 160 × 95 × 29 mm
• Weight: 299 g
• Date: ca. AD 1000–1500
• Condition: Excellent condition, with a well-preserved surface, visible incisions, and rich dark patina
A masterful example of Taíno ceremonial art, evoking the spiritual connection between the human and avian worlds through stone.
Taíno Ceremonial Birdstone Axe – AD 1000 to 1500 – 160x95x29 mm – 299 g
This elegant stone axe, carved in the form of a bird with outstretched wings and engraved spiral motifs, exemplifies the symbolic and ritualistic artistry of the Taíno people of the Caribbean. The figure combines utilitarian design with spiritual meaning, as avian imagery was deeply linked to shamanic flight, ancestral spirits, and cosmological beliefs in Taíno culture.
Fashioned from a dense, dark chloritized steatite, the object features a polished surface, smooth contours, and expertly incised lines forming the eyes and stylized feathers. The finely executed symmetry and refined craftsmanship suggest this axe likely held ceremonial rather than functional value, used in elite or spiritual contexts rather than as a tool of labor or war.
The weight, material, and smooth wear patterns are consistent with known examples from the Greater Antilles, particularly Hispaniola or Puerto Rico, where such bird effigy axes were venerated and often buried with high-ranking individuals.
• Material: Chloritized steatite
• Dimensions: 160 × 95 × 29 mm
• Weight: 299 g
• Date: ca. AD 1000–1500
• Condition: Excellent condition, with a well-preserved surface, visible incisions, and rich dark patina
A masterful example of Taíno ceremonial art, evoking the spiritual connection between the human and avian worlds through stone.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Taino
Country of Origin
Dominican Republic
Century/ Timeframe
10th to 15th Century AD
Material
Item 034. Steatite. Dutch export permit
Acquired from
Auction house
Condition
Excellent
Year acquired
2028
Style
Pre-Columbian
Country acquired from
Germany
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
16 cm
Width
29 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Depth
9.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Military Context
No
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.
