Denise Reid, Gleaner Writer

Spanish Maria (Oretha Williamson) entertains visitors while Christopher Columbus and 'time traveller', Taniesha James, watch.

The Tainos were supposedly the first people to inhabit Jamaica. The Tainos revered idols which they called zemis. Zemis represented gods and ancestors and were used to contact the spirits for advice and guidance. Thus, no illustration of Taino life would be complete without the replica of a Zemi, and this is where Gene Pearson's expertise became essential.

For years, the renowned sculptor has created art that has been admired by artists and collectors. His career spans some four decades, in which time he has created one-of-a-kind clay works with unusual and engaging raku firings. It has been said that his art has an elemental beauty causing many of his followers to collect more than one piece. Indeed, it must be for this reason that Lennie Little-White decided that Pearson would do the job the justice it deserved.

Being a cultural person, Pearson explains that creating the Zemi was inspiring for him. He explains that he "works with his ancestors from here to Africa". According to Pearson, he has been carrying out his 'ancestor's instructions'. In the past he has done collections of 'mountain spirits', and 'ancestral spirits' to name a few, so he adds, it was very appropriate for them to ask me to do that piece.

Pearson says he finds the piece meaningful because "it means that I am in touch with my ancestral spirit. The Tainos were the first people here and they should be remembered." He emphasises that people need to realise the foundation and where they are coming from, hence making the Zemi was special for him.

Pearson feels that the Zemi will take people back to where they started. He explains that it will be a means of showing respect to the first people and their legacy.