Urn with a rectangular base and lid that resembles a small house or temple that imitates the “talud-tablero” architecture, typical of the Teotihuacán style but which was adapted to other areas of the Mayan area.

The shallow base is the platform while the lid is a small structure with a decorated rectangular roof, lintels and what could be the image of a terrestrial monster on the entrance steps.

Three characters inhabit the structure. The main one is inside the house, sitting on a bench or throne. He is richly attired with a decorated headdress, large nose ornament and earflares. With his hands he holds what appear to be bundles of cloth. Outside the enclosure there are two characters, in front of each side of the portal and who, according to their attitude and position, could be guards or assistants of the main lord. They both wear a feather headdress, a beaded necklace and a hip cloth.

*Pacific Coast of Guatemala, probably Tiquisate and La Gomera area, Escuintla

* The Cultural Property Register has it listed as an incense burner, but it does not have a chimney

Total Height (base y lid):: 63.5 cm
Base “a”
Height: 2.5 cm; Width:19.5 cm; Length: 34 cm

Lid “b”
Height: 51 cm; Width: 43 cm; Front to back: 25 cm

Chinchilla Mazariegos, Oswaldo. 2019. “Temples to the Great Bird: Architecture, mythology, and ritual in Teotihuacan-style censers from Escuintla, Guatemala”. RES 71/72 2019 (págs. 78-96. University of Chicago Press

(http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/t-and-c).

1. TREASURES OF THE MAYA SPIRIT. THE. Art Show. Los Angeles Convention Center (January 14 – 19, 2014)

2. “TREASURES OF THE MAYA ROUTE”. Quiroa Gallery, Museum Walkway, Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. Antigua Guatemala (August 30 – November 9, 2014)

3. Occidente Insurance company (August 2017-February 2018)

4. “MASTERWORKS BY THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST.” Santo Domingo del Cerro Cultural Center, Antigua Guatemala (from December 2019 to February 2, 2022)

5. “MAYA: THE GREAT JAGUAR RISES” (2nd. Tour) Kansas City Union Station (August 2022-March, 2023) and California Science Center (April-September, 2023)

6. “MASTERWORKS BY THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST.” La Ruta Maya Foundation, Guatemala City (November 6, 2024 to May 31st. 2025)