Zemí Duho (Ceremonial Seat)
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Click READ MORE for English
El escultor de esta figura de cemí se inspiró al ver las ramas retorcidas de un árbol, imaginándolas como un hombre en posición supina. Se observa al hombre vestido sólo con textiles en su cabeza y sus extremidades. Su boca abierta, sus brazos estirados y sus dedos apretados insinúan que este </i>cemí</i> se encuentra angustiado, quizás parte de una historia épica hoy perdida en el tiempo. Un gobernante se hubiera sentado encima del espíritu o utilizado la parte honda de su cuerpo como plato ceremonial.
The sculptor of this figure revealed its zemí identity from a tree with twisted branches, which form its crossed legs. The supine, emaciated male wears only woven textiles on his limbs and head. The open mouth, arms flailing behind the head, and curled toes hint that this zemí is in distress, perhaps part of an epic story lost to time. A leader would sit upon the struggling spirit, or, alternatively, use the concave surface of its body as a ceremonial platter.
El escultor de esta figura de cemí se inspiró al ver las ramas retorcidas de un árbol, imaginándolas como un hombre en posición supina. Se observa al hombre vestido sólo con textiles en su cabeza y sus extremidades. Su boca abierta, sus brazos estirados y sus dedos apretados insinúan que este </i>cemí</i> se encuentra angustiado, quizás parte de una historia épica hoy perdida en el tiempo. Un gobernante se hubiera sentado encima del espíritu o utilizado la parte honda de su cuerpo como plato ceremonial.
The sculptor of this figure revealed its zemí identity from a tree with twisted branches, which form its crossed legs. The supine, emaciated male wears only woven textiles on his limbs and head. The open mouth, arms flailing behind the head, and curled toes hint that this zemí is in distress, perhaps part of an epic story lost to time. A leader would sit upon the struggling spirit, or, alternatively, use the concave surface of its body as a ceremonial platter.
Artwork Details
- Title: Zemí Duho (Ceremonial Seat)
- Date: 1315–1416 CE
- Geography: Dominican Republic, Caribbean
- Culture: Taíno
- Medium: Wood (Guaiacum sp.)
- Dimensions: H. 7 3/8 × W. 6 5/8 × L. 23 3/4 in. (18.7 × 16.8 × 60.3 cm)
- Classification: Wood-Sculpture
- Credit Line: Saint Louis Art Museum, Friends Fund and Primitive Art Society Fund, in honor of Morton D. May
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing