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Incense Burner
Incense Burner
Image © 2021 Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Incense Burner

Date1000–1500 CE
Mediumceramic
Dimensions35.2 x 18.7 cm (13 7/8 x 7 3/8 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1951.113
DescriptionLadle-shaped incense burner. Handle in the form of a figure with head forward.
Label TextThis incense burner would have been used in rituals in ancient Costa Rica. From its “frying pan” shape, we can see that it was meant to be held and maybe moved. Often, the handle of “frying pan” censers takes the form of an animal head, which is why this human motif is so unique. Notice how the male figure seems to be holding the weight of the pan with his shoulders. Hand-held incense burners became very common during the Postclassic period (900–1600 C.E.) in Mesoamerica, although their form and decoration varied from those of ancient Costa Rica, located further south.ProvenanceMinor C. Keith (1848–1929) collection, reportedly found on a Las Mercedes plantation, Costa Rica, 1903–1907; John Wise, Ltd., New York, NY; sold to the Brooklyn Museum, NY, 1934 (34.1631, alt. #1235); sold to the Worcester Art Museum, 1951.
On View
Not on view
Incense Burner with a Reptile
Costa Rica
500 CE–1000 CE
Tripod Vessel
Costa Rica
1000–1500 CE
Tripod Vessel
Costa Rica
1200–1400 CE
Bird Whistle
Costa Rica
n.d.
Bowl
Costa Rica
n.d.
Bowl
Costa Rica
n.d.
Figurine
Costa Rica
n.d.
Bird Whistle
Costa Rica
n.d.
Eagle Pendant
Costa Rica
700–1500 CE
Jaguar mace head
Costa Rica
800 CE–1000 CE