Incense Burner
Culture
Costa Rica
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.
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