Stone zemi votive axe, pre-Columbian archaeology, Taïno

Stone ceremonial ax representing a zemi head and its folded body, made by the Taïnos Indian people several hundred years ago.
The proportions of the head are exaggerated. The details of the face are in relief. The head is pierced right through.
In its juice with traces of seniority. The ax is presented on a wooden base with a metal support.

The Taïnos were an Amerindian population present in the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean until the 16th century. They were very skilled in pottery, stone and woodwork. The ethnic group was decimated with the arrival of Europeans, due to disease and forced labor.
Zemí refers to an immaterial, spiritual and vital force belonging to deities and ancestors.
This is a very old authentic animist object that can complete an archeology collection or a cabinet of curiosities.

DIMENSIONS: Without base => H32.5xL7xD7cm 
DATE: Before 16th century
ORIGIN: Greater Antilles, Caribbean
WEIGHT: 2,100 kg with base