Taino Turtle Bowl

A Pre-Columbian Taino terracotta bowl in the shape of a sweet water turtle with an opening in the carapace, perhaps used to serve turtle meat. The bottom of the turtle carapace is incised with realistic detail while the outer shell is incised with decorative lines.

Caribbean.

Ca. 1000 - 1500 AD.

Height: 7 1/2 in. (19 cm).

The turtle represented in this ceramic is identified as a Cat Island turtle which has its origins in Jamaica and later was introduced by man into the Bahamas. It is now extinct in Jamaica. The turtle represented to the Taino the duality of sky and sea and was a viewed as a vehicle to travel to the spiritual world.

cf.: a similar turtle is illustrated in Fauna Y Cultura Indigena de Puerto Rico, (1993), pg. 33.

Formerly in a New York private collection.

Inv#: 8358

Guaranteed Authentic

$5,000