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Censer with Architectural Elements

8th century

Not on view

Occupying a strategic high point at the heart of the ancient city of Philadelphia, the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a) is one of a string of "desert palaces" constructed along the roads to Damascus by the Umayyad caliphate as it consolidated power in the seventh and eighth centuries. The citadel included administrative buildings, defensive structures, residential apartments, and a mosque.
Excavated in a large house at the Umayyad citadel of Amman, this censer relates to Arabian traditions. It resembles Umayyad structures such as the gatehouse of the citadel, which served as an audience hall.

Censer with Architectural Elements, Basalt — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Censer with Architectural Elements

Date: 8th century

Geography: Made in Eastern Mediterranean, excavated at the Amman Citadel, Jordan

Medium: Basalt

Dimensions: 8 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (21 x 16.5 cm)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Jordan Archaeological Museum, Amman (J. 1663)

Accession Number: isl790

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