Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Zemí Duho (Ceremonial Seat)
Not on view
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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 cemí 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.
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