Best Sellers in Books
Discover the most popular and best selling products in Books based on sales

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this website
Archaeology - Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory)

Description

Book Synopsis: Takes a close look at the relationship between humans and other (non-human) beings that are imbued with cemí power, specifically within the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. Cemís are both portable artifacts and embodiments of persons or spirit, which the Taínos and other natives of the Greater Antilles (ca. AD 1000-1550) regarded as numinous beings with supernatural or magic powers.

This volume takes a close look at the relationship between humans and other (non-human) beings that are imbued with cemí power, specifically within the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere encompassing Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. The relationships address the important questions of identity and personhood of the cemí icons and their human “owners” and the implications of cemí gift-giving and gift-taking that sustains a complex web of relationships between caciques (chiefs) of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola.

Oliver provides a careful analysis of the four major forms of cemís—three-pointed stones, large stone heads, stone collars, and elbow stones—as well as face masks, which provide an interesting contrast to the stone heads. He finds evidence for his interpretation of human and cemí interactions from a critical review of 16th-century Spanish ethnohistoric documents, especially the Relación Acerca de las Antigüedades de los Indios written by Friar Ramón Pané in 1497–1498 under orders from Christopher Columbus. Buttressed by examples of native resistance and syncretism, the volume discusses the iconoclastic conflicts and the relationship between the icons and the human beings.

Focusing on this and on the various contexts in which the relationships were enacted, Oliver reveals how the cemís were central to the exercise of native political power. Such cemís were considered a direct threat to the hegemony of the Spanish conquerors, as these potent objects were seen as allies in the native resistance to the onslaught of Christendom with its icons of saints and virgins.

Details

Unlock the secrets of the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere with Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory). This captivating book delves into the unique relationship between humans and cemí power, exploring the supernatural abilities of these numinous beings. Discover the intricate web of connections between caciques and cemí icons, and unravel the implications of their gift-giving and gift-taking rituals. Through a critical analysis of historical documents and native resistance, author Oliver sheds light on the native political power and resistance against the Spanish conquerors. Immerse yourself in this captivating world of enchantment and order your copy today.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere with Caciques and Cemi Idols. This groundbreaking book offers a fascinating exploration of the relationship between humans and non-human beings imbued with cemí power. As you embark on this journey, you will encounter the four major forms of cemís – three-pointed stones, large stone heads, stone collars, and elbow stones – along with intriguing face masks. Through meticulous research and analysis of 16th-century Spanish ethnohistoric documents, Oliver paints a vivid picture of the complex web of relationships between caciques of Puerto Rico and Hispaniola. Witness the iconoclastic conflicts and discover the threat posed by these powerful cemí objects to the Spanish conquerors. Don't miss out on this captivating tale – order your copy now and unravel the mysteries of the Taíno culture.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory with Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. As you journey into the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere, you will unravel the fascinating relationship between humans and cemís – portable artifacts and personifications of spirits. Through an exploration of the three-pointed stones, large stone heads, stone collars, elbow stones, and face masks, author Oliver provides a thought-provoking analysis of their significance. Delve into the 16th-century Spanish ethnohistoric documents, meticulously examined to reveal the implications of cemí gift-giving and gift-taking. Experience the resistance of the native people and their battle against the icons of Christendom. Order your copy of this illuminating book today and be transported to a world of wonder and discovery.

Uncover the hidden world of the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere with Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory). Dive into the relationship between humans and cemís, the powerful objects imbued with supernatural and magical powers. With an in-depth analysis of the four major forms of cemís – three-pointed stones, large stone heads, stone collars, and elbow stones – you will gain a true understanding of their role in the native resistance against the Spanish conquerors. Through a careful examination of 16th-century Spanish ethnohistoric documents, Oliver unveils the complex web of relationships between caciques and cemí icons. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of intrigue and order your copy today!

Are you ready to embark on a journey through the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere? Look no further than Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory). Delve into the mystical world of cemís, the numinous beings with supernatural and magical powers. Discover the significance of the three-pointed stones, large stone heads, stone collars, and elbow stones, and explore their contrast with intriguing face masks. Through a critical review of 16th-century Spanish ethnohistoric documents, Oliver brings to life the intricate relationships between humans and cemí icons. Witness the native resistance and syncretism that challenged the dominance of the Spanish conquerors and their icons of saints and virgins. Order your copy now and unlock the secrets of the Taíno culture.

Order your copy of Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory) and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Taíno inter-island cultural sphere. Unveil the hidden connections between humans and cemís, and witness the native political power and resistance against the Spanish conquerors. Don't miss out on this opportunity to delve into the secrets of the Taíno culture. Order now and let the journey begin!

Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this website