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The Incensario Complex of Palenque, Chiapas*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Robert L.  and
Barbara C. Rands
Robert L.
Affiliation:
University of Mississippi, University, Miss.
Barbara C. Rands
Affiliation:
University of Mississippi, University, Miss.
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Abstract

The three major forms of Palenque incensarios, the great majority of which appear to be locally made, are pedestal'based vessels, ladles, and elaborately decorated, hollow, flanged cylinders. The first two forms were clearly used for burning incense, but the elaborate cylinders show no definite evidence of burning. They may have served as stands or supports for incense burners, and in any case, are certainly related to the incensario tradition in Mesoamerica. At Palenque, this tradition seems to be oriented toward the hierarchical aspects of Maya civilization. The decoration on the flanged cylinders shows close resemblances to the symbolism and the manner of portrayal in Maya monumental art. While the Palenque incensarios are fundamentally similar to those in other parts of Mesoamerica, they are quite distinctive in both shape and decoration. The main correspondences are with Late Classic incense burners in southern Tabasco and the Alta Verapaz.

Type
Research Article
Information
American Antiquity , Volume 25 , Issue 2 , October 1959 , pp. 225 - 236
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1959

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Footnotes

*

Expanded version of a paper read at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology at Norman, Oklahoma, in May, 1958.

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