• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: The Incensario Complex of Palenque, Chiapas
  • Contributor: Rands, Robert L.; Rands, Barbara C.
  • Published: Society for American Archaeology, 1959
  • Published in: American Antiquity, 25 (1959) 2, Seite 225-236
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 0002-7316
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: 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.