Ceremonial Wooden Stool
Preserved pre-Columbian duhos (ceremonial wooden stools) from the Caribbean region are exceedingly rare, because they are usually found only in dry highland caves. There are two basic types: low horizontal forms with concave seats such as this one and stools with long curved backrests. Scholars differ as to the function of the stools. Some believe they represented seats of authority. Others think they served as altars for votive offerings. Still others argue that the Taino peoples used them as ceremonial trays for making "cohoba," a hallucinogenic snuff prepared for shamanistic rituals.
Duho (Ceremonial wooden stool)
Hispaniola. Taino, A.D. 1000-1500
Carved lignum vitae
Jay I. Kislak Collection
Rare Book and Special Collections Division (20)
