VINTAGE Handcrafted Taino Wood Carving Sculpture, Tribal Decor

These figures are popular souvenirs from the Dominican Republic and other parts of the Caribbean, created by local craftspeople for the tourist market, rather than being an ancient artifact. Subject: The carving is modeled after the zemí figures of the indigenous Taino culture, who were the people of the Caribbean at the time of European contact in the late 15th century. Purpose: In Taino culture, zemís were figures representing powerful ancestral spirits or deities, often made from wood or stone. Shamans (holy men) used them during important spiritual ceremonies involving the inhalation of a psychoactive mixture called cohoba. Material: Modern carvings like this are frequently made from Guayacan (lignum vitae or ironwood), which is known as one of the hardest woods in the world. Design: The figure features characteristic Taino design elements, such as the prominent eyes and stylized facial markings. Some designs have a flattened top of the head, which is based on the ancient practice of using a shallow, dished surface as a stand for burning cohoba during rituals.