Advanced Search 
Incense burner base
Maya
Early Classic Period
A.D. 400–550
Object Place: Department of Tiquisate, Guatemala
Medium/Technique
Earthenware: traces of specular hematite (red) pigment
Dimensions
17.2 x 26.8 cm (6 3/4 x 10 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Landon T. Clay
Accession Number1988.1227b
CollectionsAmericas
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
Cacao was both currency, and a prestigious gift. Here, the goddess of cacao holds a ripe pod. Cacao flowers adorn her hair, and a feathered divining mirror hangs on her chest
DescriptionHourglass-shaped incense burner base for Tiquisate-Teotihuacán-style incense burner. Traces of hematite pigment on one side of the base, and no appliquéd decoration, which is typical of this type of incense burner base. Modern restoration of the upper rim, sides and bottom of the top portion of the base.
ProvenanceBetween about 1974 and 1981, probably purchased in Guatemala by John B. Fulling (b. 1924 – d. 2005), The Art Collectors of November, Inc., Pompano Beach, FL; May 20, 1987, sold by John B. Fulling to Landon T. Clay, Boston; 1988, year-end gift of Landon Clay to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 25, 1989)
NOTE: This is one in a group of Maya artifacts (MFA accession nos. 1988.1169 – 1988.1299) known as the “November Collection” after John Fulling’s company, the Art Collectors of November, Inc. John Fulling sold this group of objects to MFA donor Landon Clay in 1987, and they were given to the Museum the following year.
Evidence suggests that John Fulling built the November Collection from sources in Guatemala between 1974 and 1981. Only a portion of what he acquired during this time came to the MFA in 1988. It is not possible to determine precisely which objects were acquired when or from whom.
NOTE: This is one in a group of Maya artifacts (MFA accession nos. 1988.1169 – 1988.1299) known as the “November Collection” after John Fulling’s company, the Art Collectors of November, Inc. John Fulling sold this group of objects to MFA donor Landon Clay in 1987, and they were given to the Museum the following year.
Evidence suggests that John Fulling built the November Collection from sources in Guatemala between 1974 and 1981. Only a portion of what he acquired during this time came to the MFA in 1988. It is not possible to determine precisely which objects were acquired when or from whom.