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TAINO PRECOLUMBIAN BIRD LIKE ZOOMORPHIC EFFIGY

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:NA
TAINO PRECOLUMBIAN BIRD LIKE ZOOMORPHIC EFFIGY
Taino. PreColumbian. Unique bird like zoomorphic effigy (cemi). The initial shape is bird-like but the bulging eyes and broad wedge shaded bill appears reptilian. The wings are finely incised with symbolic icons. On reverse a large embossed figure is between the legs, possibly a characterize creature. Made of manatee bone. The manatee was the primary source of red meat. There bones are very dense and an excellent for carving. Length 4.0 inches. Taino Culture c.600-1500AD. Greater Antilles. Private collection.