Mayan Incense Burner
This censer, or incense burner is in the Molded Chenmul style, and corresponds to the post-classic period (1200-1500 C.E.). It is a molded mud vessel displaying a richly decorated individual. The upper posterior section of this poly-chromed vessel has a large receptacle where the Maya burned copal, an aromatic substance. The copal smoke, mixed with other aromatic essence from plants, served as an offering to the gods. These censers were placed on the steps of the principal buildings and temples of these ancient Maya cities.
Photograph by David Williamson, Ideum
This image is originally from the Traditions of the Sun website. More recently, it has become part of a Yahoo! Map and Flickr mashup as part of the Maya Skies project.
Mayan Incense Burner
This censer, or incense burner is in the Molded Chenmul style, and corresponds to the post-classic period (1200-1500 C.E.). It is a molded mud vessel displaying a richly decorated individual. The upper posterior section of this poly-chromed vessel has a large receptacle where the Maya burned copal, an aromatic substance. The copal smoke, mixed with other aromatic essence from plants, served as an offering to the gods. These censers were placed on the steps of the principal buildings and temples of these ancient Maya cities.
Photograph by David Williamson, Ideum
This image is originally from the Traditions of the Sun website. More recently, it has become part of a Yahoo! Map and Flickr mashup as part of the Maya Skies project.