600–900
Pottery with polychrome
Overall: 54.7 x 31.3 x 28.8 cm (21 9/16 x 12 5/16 x 11 5/16 in.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James C. Gruener 1990.174
Calcium deposits indicate this incense burner was found in a cave, which the Maya viewed as entrances to the underworld.
This stand, made of a large tube with side panels, originally held a bowl used to ritually burn incense. Modeled on the front is a group that includes the Maya sun deity and two flanking, profile figures in lower relief. All are supported by a turtle, a symbol of the earth and the underworld. Thus, the ensemble may be a model of the cosmos.
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