zemi

Example Sentences

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A zemi is a sculpture containing a spirit, in the tradition of the Taínos, the Indigenous people of Puerto Rico.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2022

At the ceremony on Monday, Sanakori Luis Ramos, the behike, or medicine man, for the Arayeke Yukayek people, invoked the ancestors using a zemi, a sculptural object housing the spirit.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2021

His father, in times long preceding the discovery, having fasted for five days, according to their superstitious observances, applied to his zemi, or household deity, for information of things to come.

From The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Volume II) by Irving, Washington

Every chief had his zemi, carved in stone or wood, as a tutelary genius, to whom he addressed his prayers and who had a temple of his own.

From Myths & Legends of our New Possessions & Protectorate by Skinner, Charles M. (Charles Montgomery)