Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary
Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary
Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary
Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary
Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary
Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary

Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary

$0.00
$0.00
Sold Out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Important Pre-Columbian Taino wood reliquary from the Dominican Republic, ca. 1400-1500 CE. A carved Janus figure with two human effigies. This exquisite carving is a masterpiece in workmanship and exhibits the only brown wood sculpture depicting the birthing mother (Atabey) birthing mother of the Taino culture on one side, and her son in spirit form on the opposite side.  A rare and important example!

The piece measures almost 2 feet tall at 23 5/8" in height. A 14-page publication by Dr. Richard Michael Gramly on the piece, labeled "Masterworks from the Essex collection" is included with the piece. 

The piece has also been examined by Dr. William F. Keegan, curator of the Florida museum of Natural History. Dr. Keegan expressed that this "May be the most important wood carving known". 

It was also examined and vetted by Arthur Dunkelman, Director of the Kislak foundation in Miami. 

Examined and vetted by Dr. Richard Gramly in 2015 for publication/report. 

This piece has been carbon dated in 2015 by Stoetzer's Inc. via the University of Arizona. Carbon dated 1444 CalCE to 1635 CalCE.

Provenance 
Original receipt from May 9, 1966 states the following: Acquired my Mr Lutz, Villa Park, IL., May 9, 1966.
"This receipt if for sell of wood tottem, carved indians. 140.00 received. Paid to Laticia Sardoume. It is from El Seibo, Dominican. Found by Anonio Saurdome in stone shelter.

Ex. Mr Lutz, Villa Park, IL. May 9, 1966
Ex. James Mason, acquired from Mr. Lutz, 1970s
Ex R. Harrison/J. Hart, (Art dealer), acquired from Mr. Mason 2014.

All reports and paperwork can be seen at the following link - Taino - Dropbox

PRICE ON REQUEST

All items are vetted for authenticity and guaranteed to be as described. Every item has been legally acquired and legal to sell and purchase. All items will include full provenance details. Purchase with confidence!