Offered in this lot features a solid volcanic pumice stone carved pestle with two deity / human effigy faces at the top. Sculptural, tactile, graphic and ancient are the best words to describe this fascinating hand-carved stone pestle ascribed to a Master Craftsman from the Mayan or Taíno cultures and dating to between the Classic Period of 250-950 AD and the early part of the post Classic Period of 950-1539 AD, either in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic 100's of years before the arrival of Columbus. The piece is heavy and shows signs of use, as it should. The double, or Janus-faced head provides a wonderfully powerful image as well as a practical way to keep the pestle from flying out of one's hand during use. Such tools were made for the hand grinding of grain, and the shaft fits a human hand perfectly for such a task and is oddly comfortable. Dominican cave specialist, Domingo Abreu Collado presented evidence that the Taíno indians who inhabited the island when Christopher Columbus arrived, shared identity with Maya and Inca indians of South America. Abreu presented the evidence during the 17th Scientific Research Day held at the UASD. His presentation was on “Maya Connections to Taíno Cave Art in the Dominican Republic.” A common theme in sculptures of this period was the depictions of deities. Taíno art is comprised of many religious objects associated with the worship of "zemis" - a term referring to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. It is possible that this pestle was used to create Cohoba powder that is traditionally inhaled by a shaman to produce hallucinogenic effects and visions during a ritual that the Taínos interpret as apparitions of spirits who deliver important messages. This pestle shows a skillfully hand-carved pumice stone with twin Zemi figural heads, each one boldly delineated with circular ocular cavities, nasal bones, wide open oral cavities, and jutting chins. Pestle has been well preserved, no marring noted though wear from use is obvious and expected. Measures 2.25"W x 2.75"H x 1.5"D approximately.