Lizard-Head Spoon

Taíno

Not on view

Taíno sculptors created another class of objects created figural and abstract imagery for use in the cohoba ceremonies, known variably as spoons, spatulas, vomitivos, or "vomit sticks." Artists featured zoomorphic or anthropomorphic figures on these ritual implements, imbuing them with identities that featured prominently in their use in purging and fasting. Such activities induced weakened physical state and mental confusion, and combined with ritual use of cohoba, formed integral parts of rituals performed by specialist healers known as behique (or bohíte or buhuittihu).

Lizard-Head Spoon, Bone, Taíno

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