Taino Stone Zemi Sculpture

This outstanding stone sculpture is a Zemi – the physical incarnation of a Taino god, spirit or ancestor. These were used by families and centralized magico-religious institutions on a village scale, in order to “…help women with child…many which speak, and others that make grow the things that they eat, and others that bring rain, and others that make the wind blow” (Arrom 1974: 26). Historical accounts by Columbus, among others, also confirm a fertility role for at least some of the pieces, and they may also have helped relate the Taino’s mainland heritage as a story-telling device. Identifying specific pieces with specific gods or spirits is not always possible; the pantheon of gods is fairly well established (based around Yucahu – the god of cassava, the Taino staple crop – and his mother Antabey, who is responsible for fertility and water) but their physical appearances are generally undefined. Zemis have been found in various parts of the Caribbean, especially Hispaniola and Jamaica.

The piece is carved in a heavy, dark stone, and depicts a squat, powerful individual, crouching with short legs and hands resting resolutely on his hips. His general proportions are skeletal – his face is reminiscent of a skull, with hollow eyes and nose, and all flesh seemingly absent. His body continues this theme, with ribs, scapulae and vertebral spines clearly marked on his back. Despite this apparent starvation, however, he is highly adorned, with detailed concentric carvings in bands on his decorated head and armbands, and what appear to be tattoos virtually covering his body. The pedestal upon which he is standing is also decorated, with more highly detailed incised lines.