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LOT 2419
Pre-Columbian Stone Taino Transforming Zemi Figure
CIRCA 1500 A.D. OR LATER
13 1/2 in. (6 kg total, 34.3 cm high including stand).
Large carved hardstone model of a crouching figure with elbows resting on the knees and hands supporting the chin; the head modelled as a skull with exposed teeth, drilled eye-sockets and triangular nasal cavity; mounted on a custom-made display stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
For a smaller figure in similar pose see The Met Museum online, accession number 2010.177.
FootnotesThe population of the Taino people of the Dominican Republic and surrounding Caribbean islands may have been as high as 2 million by the 15th century. The Zemi, a spiritual figure forms a major part of their existing legacy and examples exist in many sizes including depictions in wood and stone.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2419
Pre-Columbian Stone Taino Transforming Zemi Figure
Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
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Pre-Columbian Terracotta Cup with Panther Face
Circa 1st millennium A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Globular in profile with slightly flared mouth loop handle, six radiating spurs below the shoulder and discoid boss with incised feline face detailing. 140 grams, 92 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
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Pre-Columbian Nazca Terracotta Vessel with Mythical Creature
100-700 A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Biconical vessel with conical underside and domed upper, two vertical spouts to the centre with flat-section bar between, painted frieze of creatures to the shoulder including severed heads. 713 grams, 18.5 cm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The depiction of severed heads being held by mythical creatures as trophies reflects a society where warfare was commonplace and celebrated through art. -
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Pre-Columbian Mexican Michoacan Standing Figure
300-100 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
Modelled in the half-round as a nude female, wearing arm bangles and an ornamental collar; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 527 grams total, 23 cm high including stand
Ex Alan Cherry, Bournemouth, UK. Acquired in the 1990s. From a Norfolk, UK, private collection.
This is a large example of the figurines of ancient Michoacan. These sculptures were made in abundance during the pre classic period and were likely crafted for personal use as votive figures. As with this example, these sculptures are renowned for showing details of necklaces and other adornment of the period.
