Carved Taino Shaman from Dominican Republic

thingiverse

This is a carving of an ancient Taino shaman figurine, crafted with intricate detail. The Taino people were the original inhabitants of the Caribbean, inhabiting most of Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico when European explorers first arrived in the late 15th century. Shamans held a central position in Taino culture, and these figurines showcase their profound spirituality. This particular carving depicts a typical holy man or shaman in a squatting position, with hollowed-out areas that symbolize self-mortification through starvation, a ritualistic practice aimed at achieving spiritual enlightenment. This exquisite piece is carved from Guayacan wood, the hardest wood known to man, and will sink effortlessly in water. Figures made from Guayacan wood are highly prized souvenirs from the Dominican Republic. The carving was painstakingly handmade by a local craftsman during an archaeological expedition near Santiago de los Caballeros in the early 2000s. It is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Taino people and the skill of their craftsmen. Feel free to refer to reference photos if you wish to recreate this carving as a painting. If you decide to print it, please post a photo on your social media channels and visit my Thingiverse page at http://www.thingiverse.com/dricketts/designs to explore more scans of skulls and bones. To stay up-to-date with my latest prints and blogs, be sure to "Like" my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FetalReproductions and check out my Etsy page at http://Etsy.com/FetalReproductions for an array of unique items, including baby fetal scans, skulls, and other fascinating artifacts.