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.