A couple of friends and I took a short trip today up to Yamasa, about 45 minutes northwest of Villa Mella, to see the Guillen Brothers shop where they make authentic replicas of Taino artifacts. Interesting day, and a welcome break from the chaos of Santo Domingo. Their shop and property is one of the most peaceful places I have encountered in the DR. Green, cool peace.
Two of the brothers were there today, and we were the only visitors. Jesus showed me their whole series of workshops and their processes for making anything from copies of Taino amulets up to 4' tall replicas. They were preparing a large order to be shipped to Europe. They don't sell their work in Santo Domingo or other places in the DR.
He explained that they started up in 1988/89. They were able to see the original artifacts available in both museums and in private collections, take many measurements and photos, etc so that they could make accurate replicas. Small amulets are made using handmade molds, and the larger pieces are all made by hand, then put in one of their two big ovens to dry, and then finished. They offer different sizes of most of their work.
Jesus has also spent the past 20 years searching for real Taino artifacts and proudly displayed pieces he has found all over the DR.
Here are some of my photos, both of the original artifacts and some of the pieces they make for sale. Tainos seemed to smoke, and used both pipes and inhalers which have two tubes coming up for use to inhale through one's nose.
Taino artifacts -mortar and pestles used to crush dyes used as a type of tattoo:
Taino bird figure artifact:
Taino amulet:
Another Taino amulet:
Taino face figurine:
Taino inhaler:
Another Taino amulet:
Wood piece:
I will make a second post showing the replicas which the Guillen brothers make and sell.
Two of the brothers were there today, and we were the only visitors. Jesus showed me their whole series of workshops and their processes for making anything from copies of Taino amulets up to 4' tall replicas. They were preparing a large order to be shipped to Europe. They don't sell their work in Santo Domingo or other places in the DR.
He explained that they started up in 1988/89. They were able to see the original artifacts available in both museums and in private collections, take many measurements and photos, etc so that they could make accurate replicas. Small amulets are made using handmade molds, and the larger pieces are all made by hand, then put in one of their two big ovens to dry, and then finished. They offer different sizes of most of their work.
Jesus has also spent the past 20 years searching for real Taino artifacts and proudly displayed pieces he has found all over the DR.
Here are some of my photos, both of the original artifacts and some of the pieces they make for sale. Tainos seemed to smoke, and used both pipes and inhalers which have two tubes coming up for use to inhale through one's nose.
Taino artifacts -mortar and pestles used to crush dyes used as a type of tattoo:
Taino bird figure artifact:
Taino amulet:
Another Taino amulet:
Taino face figurine:
Taino inhaler:
Another Taino amulet:
Wood piece:
I will make a second post showing the replicas which the Guillen brothers make and sell.
