Description Taino. A rare, superb bird-man zemi. Zemis were only produced by the Taino and are their most recognizable icon. A human torso with a dominant bird head drapes over almost the entire zemi with beak resting between the eyes of the Anthropic face. The nob on the nose may reference the king vulture, known for the large waddles on their beaks. They are a primary avian deity among regional cultures. Bird men were synonymous with shaman as birds were considered allies who assisted shaman in transcendental comic quests. Made from magnetite with strong magnetic field. Quite heavy. Designated a type 2 zemi. From the collection of Larry Roberts author of "Taino Sculpture, Art of the Gods" and "Taino Hallucinogenic Implements, Inhaling the Cosmic Dust." Size: 5'' x 7.5'' x 3.5'' (13 x 19 x 9 cm).