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Caciques and Cemi Idols: The Web Spun by Taino Rulers Between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico (Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory) 2nd Edition

by José R. Oliver (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings
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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.

 
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  1. ISBN-10
    0817355154
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0817355159
  3. Edition
    2nd
  4. Publisher
    University Alabama Press
  5. Publication date
    May 10, 2009
  6. Part of series
    Caribbean Archaeology and Ethnohistory
  7. Language
    English
  8. Dimensions
    6.13 x 1.1 x 9.25 inches
  9. Print length
    326 pages
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Richly supported by detailed evidence, this work is carefully and logically argued. It is also a groundbreaking contribution to Caribbean anthropology and the best volume written on the subject to date."
—Samuel M. Wilson, University of Texas at Austin

"This is an important book. Quoting Samuel Wilson on the back cover, this reviewer concurs that this is 'the best volume written on the subject to date."
—CHOICE

About the Author

José R. Oliver is Lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University Alabama Press; 2nd edition (May 10, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 326 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0817355154
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0817355159
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.13 x 1.1 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 36 ratings

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José R. Oliver

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
36 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jalil Sued Badillo
5.0 out of 5 stars An excelent contribution to Taino culture history
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2009
Verified Purchase
Jose Oliver's recent work on Taino iconography and symbolism is by far the most serious handling of the subject in many decades. Fully bi-lingual, knowledgeable in the ethnohistory and archaeological sources at hand, and with good years of experience in Puerto Rican indigenous past he now enters the realm of Hatian (Haity-Quisqueya)early history and culture to compare, contrast and critically reflect on the paradigms of the past. He has fresh new insights and pertinent knowledge of the work of other colleages to excite into new search for meanings and simbolic associations. We might differ in details and approaches which must not distract us from a work well done. The combination of ethnohistory and archaeology as well as a clear geographic-historical sense are some of the keys to serious reconstructions of the past.
11 people found this helpful
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Larry Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars A Taino treasure
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2009
Verified Purchase
I am currently doing research on Taino art and found this book a tremendous aid in understanding the sculpture as it relates to Taino culture and myths. I haven't read a better, or a more current book that gave me such clear understanding of the Taino people and their art. This is a must read.
11 people found this helpful
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Jose L. Feneque Munis
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for those interested in caribbean prehistory
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2009
I had the honor to work with Jose on the Batey del Vivi excavations in Utuado Puerto Rico. Undisputably, he is an authority in caribbean prehistory. This book is the result of his hardwork and relentless pursuit in the understanding of our prehistoric ancestors.
8 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2014
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