Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Oaxaca, Classic Monte Alban III, ca. 300 to 600 CE. A very large incense burner, skillfully hand-built from terracotta and presenting the visage of the Hueheuteotl, Zapotec's Fire God. The deity looks out with an expressive, wrinkled face delineated with wide-open eyes with rendered irises/pupils and sclera, a furrowed brow, a naturalistic nose, and parted lips that reveal his tongue. He wears enormous ear flares, a pectoral, and an impressively large mushroom-shaped headdress (perhaps to reference hallucinogenic mushrooms used during ceremonies), adorned with a skillfully knotted rope ornament. This countenance emerges like a specter from a cylindrical neck that also serves as the vessel body, with perforations through which fragrant incense would have emanated. Size: 12.25" L x 16.125" W x 22.125" H (31.1 cm x 41 cm x 56.2 cm)

Such masterfully hand-built and modeled incensarios were coveted works of prestige, and local lords in the Monte Alban area received them via gift-giving networks that reinforced their power and might. The figure depicted here is that of a recognizable deity - Huehueteotl, the old god of fire, who is among the oldest deities in the Pre-Columbian world, though his precise origin is unknown. Other incensarios and vessels depicted magical spirits, ancestors, or shamans impersonating gods.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report is available for purchase. Please inquire.

Published: Cisneros Art Gallery Catalogue, New York, New York, May 7, 1969 to June 7, 1969.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Gilbert collection, New York City, New York, USA, acq. 1975 to 1991; Published: Cisneros Art Gallery Catalogue, New York, New York, May 7, 1969 to June 7, 1969

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#161325

TL holes in base, back top of upper bowl, and back of ear ornament. Repaired from about 10 to 15 pieces with restoration over the break lines. Chips to rim of base, rim of vessel behind visage, peripheries of modeled visage and accoutrements, and high-pointed areas and peripheries of the vessel form. Expected surface wear commensurate with age, though details are well preserved and there are nice remains of pigmentation and stucco finish.