Pre-Columbian, Central Mexico, Aztec empire, ca. 1300 to 1500 CE. A wonderful slip painted terracotta incensario of a clever design comprised of an openwork olla with a tastefully flared red rim upon a pair of buff rounded rattle legs at one end and a long tubular handle that folds back over itself, this form perhaps created to represent a serpent, possibly two serpents or the the bicephalic serpent (see discussion below). Size: 9.375" L x 4.625" in diameter x 3.625" H (23.8 cm x 11.7 cm x 9.2 cm)

Snake/serpents provide a fascinating element of Pre-Columbian iconography as they were regarded to be a beneficial source of nourishment and at the same time quite deadly with their poisonous venom. Also important to the indigenous was the fact that snakes shed their skin annually thus rejuvenating themselves and serving as symbols of renewal and good health. The folded nature of this handle suggests an abstract representation of two snakes which may in turn suggest the bicephalic serpent- a signifier of high rank in various Pre-Columbian world views. These two-headed beasts were regarded as sky bands that arched over the earth or surrounded the seas serving as a passageway for the planets and stars of the celestial realm. This motif decorated articles associated with individuals of high rank, thus associating them with the powers of this mighty creature.

Provenance: ex- private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#124500

Repaired from 8 to 12 pieces. Handle reattached. Still a strong example and rattles work quite well!