A Large Taino Purging Stick...

Description

A Large Taino Purging Stick
Caribbean Islands, c. 1000-1400 AD

Because of its large size (20 ½ inches long) this magnificent ironwood purging stick (or vomitivo) was most likely the property of an important chief or shaman. It retains the polish and patina from extensive native use as an instrument to cleanse the body by purging before ingesting hallucinogenic substances. At one end is an openwork, fully carved zemi or spirit figure, depicted with an oversized head with large concave eyes and mouth. Its back tapers to its hips and the rib cage is shown. The arms curl from the shoulders and are held to the front. A traditional ancient Taino design is engraved beneath the figure. Having been found deep in a cave in the Dominican Republic, it is in remarkably good condition, with only a few cracks. With a metal stand.

Provenance:
A Private Collection, New York, NY, acquired in 2012
Stacy Goodman Art Advisory, New York, NY
A Private Collection, California, acquired by the collector's grandfather in the Dominican Republic

Height: 20 ½ inches

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