Three-pointed Trigonolite. The central one forms... Lot 43

Three-pointed Trigonolite. The central one forms a stylized mountain with a concentric incised decoration on the upper part. Each end presents two heads of "Zemi" deities, the eyes wide open symbolizing shamanic vision. The expression on their faces is vigorous and personifies the power of this god associated with virility and fecundity. An indispensable force for the germination of the earth and the procreation of women. According to Jacques Kerchache, the protuberance of these delicate and sensual shapes is reminiscent of the tuber taking its strength from the darkness of the earth. According to Mr. Antonio de Torres, the Taïno company is run by clan chiefs called "Caciques". Each of these lords has three stones like this one, they are the object of great devotion. Each of them kept in the Cacique's house temple has its own virtues: attracting lightning, making rain fall, or fertilizing the earth. The shamanic priest invoked them during the rituals by addressing prayers to them in order to draw their benevolence on the whole clan. Mr. Kerchache points out that "three-pointed stones like this one, whose virtual lines suggest more than they say, could only have been created by a kind of Brancusi from the Greater Antilles... They are works full of love and our copy undoubtedly embodies its delicate and thoughtful forms." Taino, Arawak period, Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico or Santo Domingo, 600 to 900 A.D. 34.5 x 17.5 x 15 cm Provenance: acquired by Edouard Copper Royer in the first half of the 20th century. Former Thierry Cruchet collection, France. Bibliography: Taino, peuple d'amour, Bernard Michaut Cruchet edition, December 2007, page 58/59.