Just added to the Taino section of the collection: A lignum vitae three pointer zemi depicting Opiel Guabiron the canine guardian to and through Coyaba/Xibalba.

An exceedingly rare ceremonial object from the West Indian Taino. No provenance.

A companion to a larger calcite peice of similar form in the collection.

Many of these things went to Europe and later into western collections. Those that survived the fires of the inquisition and the bulldozers of developers sometimes show up in the antiques marketplace. Taino fakes abound.

Again, the Caretaker has a soft spot for TB and I have encouraged them to offer the collection to the right people in the right circumstances.

The collection has some items that depict our history that may be confronting to some, especially when they are properly described.

Treasure offer #1

Message delivered.

A lignum vitae cohoba holder with provenance, with eye and teeth inlays intact and from the Dominican Republic was bid to near one million pounds (yes million and pounds) before it was withdrawn from the auction. That was 20 years ago. Admittedly this was a powerful object that had a history. Just to put their seriousness in context.

They will not consider anyone thinking themselves lowly. Humble, yes. The handling of such HEAVY things requires this.

Anyone interested?

There is another collection that may come our way, strong in ceramics and with a huge quartz crystal found in an area that was called 'the domain of the snake magicians'.

Now what is cohoba?

Question...is the caretaker putting the collection of Taino artifacts up for sale? Items of cultural value should be in museums and conserved for future generations. A small, secure, storefront museum in an area that is accessible by residents and visitors would enhance the community of Treasure Beach greatly. A museum interprets, educates and, yes, even entertains.

I'd be careful with the cohoba unless you want to see beyond the beyond.

How serious is the caretaker about a museum and what are the details?

The collection is not for sale.

The long term intent is to allow the objects to tell their story which often expands our individual ones.

Their spirit is one of responsible caretakership which they hope to share.

It is intended that a serious interest would include the spirit of fairness to the Caretaker and a clear proposal of an appropriate interpretive facility.

A good working relationship with the The Institute of Jamaica, The National Gallery and private museums is a given.

The collection includes post Taino objects and items from the West India Trade and connected areas.

The Caretaker would retain ownership of the collection with title passing to children who are fully cognisant of the importance of this assemblage of things and supportive of the offering to TB.

For fiscal purposes the future sharing Caretaker would initially arrange independent appraisals on which to base insurances and to allow the Caretaker to express their long term lease or other arrangements.

The Caretaker assures that they intend to see that the collection grows and matures and intends that it benefits the community and beyond in all ways.

I'll get some images together for your interest. Could I post them to you TBNet?

Where is George Anthony Aarons once from The Jamaica National Trust, Port Royal Project, last known in the Toronto area teaching just about everything?

Where did the Anadenanthera Peregrina trees go? Don't fret my feet are well planted. The training for such flight is not in my books.

Nice thread turey; like where you're going with this. Also, your last question led me on a google expedition. Interesting!

Thanks one man, time come for many things to reveal!