01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Polychrome censer (residues of red, yellow, and white paint) with lid, Teotihuacan style. The base of the censer has a biconical silhouette and is decorated with an applied bow-shaped element in the center.

The truncated-conical lid is decorated at the top with a seated figure in a bird costume. Originally thought to be a male figure, close examination revealed it to be a female. Her costume consists of a zoomorphic helmet with an open beak, feathers attached to her arms, and a skirt, leaving her small bust exposed.

Both the helmet and the bird she holds in her left hand have a flattened beak with the tip pointing downward, suggesting a waterfowl. However, the raised and swept-back feathers on the head suggest that it could be one of the kingfisher species (Chloroceryle aenea) or a quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno).

*Early Classic (ca. 450- 650 AD)

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

*The literal marked “a” is the cover and the literal marked “b” is the base.

* Voluntary delivery by Mr. Héctor Augusto Santamarina Herrera

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.) Early Classic (150/200- 650 AD).

Provenance

Pacific Coast of Guatemala

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Appliqué / application, Grooving, Incised, Modeled, Molded, Painting

Dimensions

Total Height (base and lid): 62 cm

Lid “a”
Height: 45 cm; Diameter: 28 cm

Base “b”
Height: 17 cm; Diameter: 26.5 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Similar objects have been found on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, especially in the area of ​​Tiquisate and La Gomera, Escuintla.

Exhibitions

1. “PRE-COLUMBIAN BIODIVERSITY, THE MYSTERIES OF THE JUNGLE”. Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española, Antigua Guatemala (August 17, 2017- February 25, 2018)

2. Lobby at Occidente Insurance Company (February 4 to December, 2018)

3. “MASTERWORKS OF THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST”. Centro Cultural Santo Domingo del Cerro, Antigua Guatemala (December 2019 – February 2, 2022)

4. “MASTERPIECES OF THE PRE-COLUMBIAN ARTIST”. La Ruta Maya Foundation, Guatemala City (as of November 6, 2024)

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

Publications