Pre-Columbian, Caribbean region, perhaps Dominican Republic, Taino (Arawak), ca. 1000 to 1500 CE. A carved stone sculpture known as a zemi, representing a god, spirit, or ancestor. This piece features a bust with an elongated head, recessed eyes, and an open mouth. When viewed in profile while resting on its flat side, this sculpture exhibits a characteristic trigonolith form – a three-pointed stone with a prominent conical central point formed by the mouth and chin area. Zemis are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. Owners of zemi figures traditionally honored them with offerings of food or precious gifts, and each had its own identity and name, personality, and powers.