Marble
University of Notre Dame
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Three-Pointed Zemi

Date

1000-1500 CE

Creator

Unidentified Taino artist

Unrecorded Taíno artist

Location

Raclin Murphy Museum of Art

This is a three-pointed zemí, also known as a Trigonolito. These stones often feature human- and animal-like imagery, and were symbolically connected to yuca, a staple root crop. The term ‘zemí’ not only refers to the physical object, but also to the vital spiritual force pertaining to ancestors and deities that would, under certain conditions, imbue this physical form. Zemís are found on Caribbean islands made by the Taíno people.

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This is a three-pointed zemí, also known as a Trigonolito. These stones often feature human- and animal-like imagery, and were symbolically connected to yuca, a staple root crop. The term ‘zemí’ not only refers to the physical object, but also to the vital spiritual force pertaining to ancestors and deities that would, under certain conditions, imbue this physical form. Zemís are found on Caribbean islands made by the Taíno people.
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Formerly attributed to Unidentified Taino artistUnrecorded Taíno artist
1000-1500 CE
Sculpture
Stone
1999.065.005
Raclin Murphy Museum: 205A
8 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 10 3/8 in. (20.96 x 12.07 x 26.35 cm)
Gift of Mr. Lewis Ranieri

Our collection information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. If you have spotted an error, please contact Raclin Murphy Museum of Art at RMMACollections@nd.edu.