Taíno Serpentine Idol – Taíno Culture – 10th to 15th Century AD Finely carved Taíno idol executed in black serpentine, depicting a stylized anthropomorphic figure with a prominent head, elongated facial features, and a tapered body terminating in a pointed base. The sculptor employed deeply incised lines to define the eyes, mouth, headdress, and decorative elements, creating a striking contrast between the polished dark stone and the lighter mineral veins naturally present within the material. The geometric treatment of the face and body reflects the highly symbolic artistic language characteristic of Taíno ceremonial sculpture. Stone idols such as this occupied an important role within Taíno religious and ceremonial life throughout the Greater Antilles. They were often associated with ancestral veneration, spiritual protection, and the representation of supernatural beings. The elegant proportions, excellent state of preservation, and attractive surface patina make this example particularly desirable. Carved serpentine idols of this quality and size are increasingly difficult to obtain and remain among the most sought-after categories of Caribbean pre-Columbian art. Material: Serpentine Dimensions: 10.9 × 4.2 × 2.3 cm Weight: 98.35 g Provenance: Acquired in Germany, from an old private German collection acquired in the 1980s. All items come with CoA.