Lot 148, Auction 3/19/2026: Rare Taino Shell, Carved Skull Face Effigy

$1,300.00

In stock

Pre-Columbian, Caribbean, perhaps Dominican Republic, Taino (Arawak) peoples, ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A remarkable carved marine shell transformed into a sculptural effigy of a skull-like face, its natural spiral form reimagined through careful incision and piercing. The artist has cut large circular eyes that penetrate the upper whorl chamber, while etched lines define a pronounced nose and a wide, grimacing mouth filled with squared teeth. Additional linear motifs cover the surface, following the shell’s curvature. The result is a haunting yet spiritual visage – perhaps linked to ancestral or zemi worship, central to Taino cosmology. The natural beige, cream, and tan hues of the shell, accentuated by surface mineralization, imbue the piece with an earthy, timeworn beauty. Size: 6″ L x 3″ W (15.2 cm x 7.6 cm)

Condition: Old loss to spire end or it was intentionally removed. Chips and abrasion to this area. Heavy pitting and scratches across the surface, softening to carved details.

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all purchases.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.