Sunday, May 13, 2012

Taino Ritual Seat (1200-1400 AD)


This seat, also known as a duho, was crafted by a Taino artisan.  It was carved from wood and is 22 centimeters tall. The Taino people lived in the pre-European Caribbean.  The seat was carved to look like a cemi, or spirit. A Taino chief would sit in this seat and snort snuff made from seeds to communicate with their ancestors. The chief would then ask all the spirits for advice on any important decisions they had to make.   

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