A finely carved ceremonial conch shell staff, its elongated form somewhat akin to that of a stylized serpent, presenting a Zemi head terminal with an expressive visage comprised of incised round eyes, a wide nose, schematized ears, and a toothy grin, wearing a turban-like headdress with incised stylized geometric motifs and a grand pectoral featuring a lively bat with folded arms below.

Taino art is comprised of many cult objects associated with the worship of “zemis”. The term zemi refers to deities, ancestors, or earth spirits. These zemis are believed to be inhabited by powerful spirits. Zemis are understood as objects of concentrated power with the ability to impact their owners both positively and negatively, thought to affect fertility and productivity as well as social and political activities.