Semí is Taíno

Did You Know: In Taíno culture, a semí (cemi, zemi) is a deity, an ancestral spirit, or a spiritual manifestation representing a specific aspect of or an element of nature. Pronounced seh-mee, the word can also refer to a sacred physical icon that represents a spirit or deity, which traditionally can be presented in wood, bone, shell, clay, cotton, beadwork, or stone. Some academics have promoted the word as 'zemi,' however; this is a corrupted version of the Taíno word based on the imposition of the Spanish language. In the related Lokono Arawak language the word “semee” is associated to the concept of sweetness while “semechichi” refers to a community healer. Similar versions of the word/concept semí also appear in other neighboring and related languages. In the eyeri/igneri/ieri language, for instance, the equivalent word is 'chemín' while in the insular carib or Kalinago language we find 'chemíjn,' sometimes written as 'semígn.' – UCTP Taino News © 2014

Duho (dujo)

Did You Know - The duho (dujo) is a Taino ceremonial stool or bench that can be made from stone or wood. Traditionally, a duho was usually reserved for community leaders or visiting dignitaries. The duho could be adorned with gold and conch-shell inlay as well as carved with intricate, geometric spiritual motifs. Similar stools are made by the Lokono Arawak, relatives of the Taino, however, they call their benches hala. - UCTP Taino News (c) 2012