Taino Cacique Duho Ritual Seat
Intricate Details and Artistic Narrative of this
Wooden Taino Duho
This exceptionally rare Taino duho, or ceremonial seat, dates to approximately AD 1000–1500 and was used by the Taino elite during sacred rituals and council gatherings. Few examples of such duho wood seats exist, making this artifact a prized cultural heritage.
The seat is crafted from lignum vitae (ironwood) and features stout legs to support the owner’s weight. The elaborately carved backrest includes a concealed “ghost or spirit face,” a recurring motif in Taino art. The front of the duho prominently displays a Zemi head, representing a powerful ritual central to Taino cosmology, further emphasizing its role as a sacred object. Finely detailed carvings enhance the piece, including large ear ornaments, showcasing its ceremonial importance and the elevated status of its owner. The duho measures 16 inches (40.4 cm) in length. Hispaniola.
The relatively small size and the vertical slit in the backrest—a well-established Taino symbol representing the vaginal cleft—indicate this duho may have been used by a female of high hierarchical rank. Male duhos, in contrast, often feature carved genitalia, making this piece especially significant in exploring gender roles within Taino society.
Provenance:
This artifact is part of the ex-collection of Flor Maria Alvarado and Carlton Rood of the Dominican Republic. Carlton Rood was a U.S. diplomat and author of A Dominican Chronicle (1965–1969). Alfredo Carrada acquired it from Mr. Rood in 1989, adding to its documented and esteemed history.
Price: POR
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Regional Division of Pre-Columbian Americas’ Major Archaeological Cultural Phases