Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Oaxaca, Zapotec culture, Monte Alban IV, ca. 600 to 800 CE. A charming ceramic figural incensario featuring a figure unlike many others. Instead of appearing as a serene, seated lord, this figure stands with arms raised, seemingly staggering under the weight of his massive headdress. And no wonder - the headdress is almost as tall as he is! Many cultures at this time were producing ceremonial incensarios (censers), but Monte Alban's in particular were often so anthropomorphized that from the front they are difficult to distinguish from sculpture. This is in strong contrast to incensarios at Teotihuacan, which were highly abstract. Figural censers have been excavated from Monte Alban's high status tombs, where it seems they were placed to leave offerings for the dead. Size: 4.4" W x 7.95" H (11.2 cm x 20.2 cm)

Provenance: private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; ex-Minerva Gallery; ex-Benjamin Vega, California, USA, acquired in 2006 to 2007; ex-Gene and Virginia George, brought to the USA from 1961 to 1966

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#155270

Headdress/head repaired from multiple large pieces. These repairs are well done and generally unobtrusive. Small stress fractures on the upper part of the chamber. Otherwise in good condition with rich deposits and nice preservation of form.