Parque Nacional del Este, Dominican Republic
Artifact Inventory
Duho
A rare wooden duho was recovered from la Aleta in November 1997. The
Duho is one of the most unique and significant artifacts found to date in
Caribbean archaeology. The
duho was used as a ceremonial seat for the spiritual
and tribal leaders of the Taino, the caciques. The caciques sat upon these
duhos during all ceremonial functions. During religious ceremonies the
caciques believed that the duho allowed them to connect to the spirit
world. One of the
more important of these ceremonies was the cohoba ritual. During this
ceremony only the principle persons were allowed to attend. According
to Loven, the caciques "sat on a duho with
hands on the knees, and his head towards the heaven, when he made known his
vision, the others answered in a chorus and in a high voice."
Partial Duho
A significant portion of another duho has been found in la
Aleta. This section of duho has been dated by radiocarbon to AD 1250-1410.
This is a photograph of an intact duho from Musee de l' Homme Paris.
The image represents another type of Taino duho. The back of the
duho is elongated more like a chair than a stool.
Last updated: 2 February
1998
URL: http://www.indiana.edu/~r424park/dr/describe/duho.html
Comments: Underwater Science Program
Copyright 1998, The
Trustees of Indiana University