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Censer stand

ca. 690–720
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Bowls of burning resins were once placed on top of these elaborate stands, which portray gods with both human and animal features wearing tall headdresses of stacked masks. During religious rituals, gods rested on these censer stands, which were thought of as their embodiments. The smoke of burning incense, together with food and drink, prayer, music, and dance were offered to nourish the gods, appease them, and encourage them to grant their favors to devotees.


Portaincensario
Probablemente Palenque, Chiapas, México
ca. 690-720 d. C.
Cerámica con rastros de pigmento

Los portaincensarios se consideraban personificaciones de los dioses. Estos ejemplares presentan rostros de deidades con rasgos humanos y animales. Llevan tocados altos conformados por máscaras apiladas. La parte superior de los portaincensarios contenía un cuenco donde se quemaba resina durante los ritos religiosos, actos en los que los devotos ofrecían a los dioses el humo del incienso, ofrendas de comida, plegarias, música y danzas para alimentarlos, honrarlos y pedirles favores.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Censer stand
  • Date: ca. 690–720
  • Geography: Mexico, Chiapas, Probably Palenque
  • Culture: Maya
  • Medium: Ceramic, traces of pigments
  • Dimensions: H. 44 7/8 × W. 21 1/2 × D. 11 1/2 in.; 103 lb. (114 × 54.6 × 29.2 cm; 46.7 kg)
  • Classification: Ceramics-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing