Artwork Page for Incense Burner

Details / Information for Incense Burner

Incense Burner

600–1000

Guatemala, Quiché, San Juan Cotzal, Maya

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Medium
pottery
Measurements
Overall: 16.3 x 25.5 cm (6 7/16 x 10 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Harley Lee 1991.211.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

According to the Popol Vuh, a sixteenth-century Quiché Maya manuscript, the world has been created and destroyed twice, and we now live in the third creation. In the second creation, human beings were made from wood and reeds. They lacked souls and minds, and they did not revere their creator. Because of these imperfections, most were killed by an uprising of utensils and domestic animals. Monkeys are the descendents of the survivors.
A mottled reddish-brown ceramic vessel depicts monkeys in raised relief crouching around a wide bowl. Each figure sits with bent knees and long arms resting on its legs, featuring circular eyes and a small crest atop its head. The vessel has a flat, protruding rim and a rounded base. Its matte surface is textured with dark gray and tan patches, giving a weathered appearance to both the figures and bowl.

Incense Burner

600–1000

Guatemala, Quiché, San Juan Cotzal, Maya

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