Pre-Columbian, Highland Mexico, Teotihuacan, ca. 300 to 650 CE. A striking pottery visage from an incensario, presenting captivating facial features such as almond-shaped eyes, one with an obsidian pupil, and a triangular nose, donning a customarily straight-cut fringe of bangs, enormous earspools, an ornate nose ornament of characteristic angular form with round applique details, the head beneath a 'cornice' as if supporting the incensario (in the manner of a Greek caryatid). Custom stand. Size: 6.75" W x 7.75" H (17.1 cm x 19.7 cm); 13" H (33 cm) on stand

Many cultures throughout the world have used incense for both religious purposes in rituals, as well as in secular contexts, for the pure pleasure of enoying the aromas produced when burned. The Pre-Columbian Teotihuacan were no exception, and their unique aesthetic is displayed in this beautiful visage from an incensario. This incensario head is decidedly Teotihuacan in style, the face quite angular with a triangular chin and its features boasting a multitude of intricate geometric shapes and bold lines. Incense and other materials were burned as food for the gods, as it was believed that the deities could only consume substances that were burned and offered to them in the form of smoke that flowed upward toward the celestial realm.

Provenance: Ex-Dr. G. Hermann collection, Denver, CO, USA acquired before 1980

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#118961

Cornice repaired from three to five pieces. Pressure crack on verso and nose. One obsidian pupil missing. Overall, a section with losses as shown. Expected surface wear with manganese and white calciferous mineral deposits