Effigy Incense Burners

Exploring the Early Americas The Jay I. Kislak Collection

Pre-Contact America | Explorations and Encounters | Aftermath of the Encounter

Urban Landscapes | Ritual, Ceremonies, and Celebrations | Language and Context | Recording History | The Heavens and Time

Pair of bi-conical effigy incense burners.
Central Mexican Highlands.
Mixtec, AD 1200–1500.
Polychromed buff ceramic.
Jay I. Kislak Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress (10)

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These matching monumental incense burners were found together at the entrance to a tomb. Both vessels have warrior images on the front, but the base color of the kilts worn by the warriors differs: one is red, the other blue. The warrior figures hold spear throwers and circular shields.