Finally! The Taino cotton cemí will be brought and exhibited in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The only known Taíno cotton cemí in the world, a priceless artifact of pre-Hispanic culture, will be displayed at the Museum of the Dominican Man following over 15 years of negotiations with Italy. The Dominican Ministry of Culture announced this significant cultural exchange, made possible through a memorandum signed with Italy’s Ministry of Culture and the University of Turin. The agreement facilitates a six-month exchange of Taíno cultural artifacts between the two countries.

The Dominican Republic will receive the 15th-century cotton cemí, a key symbol of Taíno culture, while Italy will host 14 Taíno artifacts of similar historical significance. Though the exhibition date is yet to be confirmed, this arrangement marks a major cultural milestone.

Culture Minister Milagros Germán emphasized the importance of celebrating and showcasing national identity, as this artifact represents life, death, and eternity in Taíno tradition. A technical committee from both nations will oversee the coordination and execution of the agreement. The cemí will be exhibited in Santo Domingo’s Museum of the Dominican Man.