Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Incense Burner

Artist/Maker Central Highlands/Atlantic Watershed (Costa Rica)

Dateca. 1000-1550

Mediumpottery and slip paint

DimensionsOverall: 2 x 8 1/2 x 5 in. (5.1 x 21.6 x 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsContainers

Credit LineGift of Seymour Rosenberg

Terms

Object number72.016.008

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of the Ancient Americas

DescriptionCeramic vessels brought to the Intermediate Area by Maya traders likely influenced this frying pan-shaped incense burner. As the popularity of this form increased, it slowly replaced the more common tripod-style incense burners. A shallow pan is attached to a curving handle with a small animal head decoration. The artists who formed the hollow handle left small balls of clay inside to produce sound when the piece moved. The anthropomorphic appliqué on the handle may give some indication of the ritual importance of this item and, given the absence of burning on the interior, it is likely this object was made in order to be deposited as a tomb or burial offering.