Pronunciation: [zˈɛmiz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "zemis" follows the pronunciation of the word, which is /ˈzɛmɪs/. The first syllable "ze" is pronounced with the short "e" sound /ɛ/ as in "bed." The second syllable "mis" is pronounced with the "ih" sound /ɪ/ as in "sit." Together, the two syllables create the phonetic pronunciation of "zemis" /ˈzɛmɪs/. This term refers to the wooden idols of Taino gods, which were worshipped in pre-Columbian America.
Zemis are artifacts and religious icons that hold significant cultural and spiritual importance in the indigenous religions of the Taíno people, who were the native inhabitants of the Caribbean islands before European colonization. The term "zemis" refers to both the objects themselves and the deities or spirits they represent.
These sacred objects were typically made from various materials such as stone, wood, shell, or bone and exhibited intricate carvings and embellishments. Zemis often portrayed a hybrid form, combining human, animal, and supernatural characteristics. They were believed to be intermediaries between humans and the spiritual realm, serving as a focal point for religious rituals and offerings.
Zemis played a crucial role in the religious practices of the Taíno people. They were believed to possess supernatural powers and could influence various aspects of life, including health, fertility, and protection from evil forces. The worship of zemis involved elaborate ceremonies and rituals performed by religious leaders called shamans.
With the arrival of European colonizers in the 15th century, the practice of Taíno religion and the veneration of zemis faced heavy suppression and persecution. Many zemis were destroyed or confiscated, and the indigenous spiritual beliefs were gradually marginalized.
However, efforts have been made in recent years to revive and preserve the cultural heritage of the Taíno people, including the study and revival of zemis. Today, zemis are recognized as invaluable artifacts that provide insights into the spiritual and artistic traditions of the Taíno culture, serving as tangible links to the ancestral traditions of the Caribbean.
The term "zemis" is derived from the Taíno language, which was spoken by the indigenous Taíno people of the Caribbean. The Taíno people were native to the Greater Antilles, including present-day places such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. In their culture, "zemis" referred to their spiritual deities or idols.
The word "zemis" itself does not have a clear etymological origin as it belongs to an indigenous language that was not extensively recorded. However, it is understood to be a term specifically used by the Taíno people to refer to their sacred objects and deities.
