Maya, Terracotta Incensario. 31,5 cm L. Spanish Import License. 250 - 900 AD
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Current bid
€ 1,500
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 7,500 - € 8,300
 | €1,500 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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Incensario in terracotta with a male head form from Maya Classic Period, dated 250–900 AD, measuring 31.5 cm long (19.5 cm high, 22 cm in diameter) with a Spanish import license and in Good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Incesario with male head form
Maya, Classic P., 250 - 900 AD
Terracotta and pigments
19,5 cm height, 22 cm diameter and 31,5 cm long.
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Paris, France. 1960 - 1980.
- Thence by descendent.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Documents: With Spanish Import / Export license.
The Maya civilization flourished in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BCE until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Its territory included present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya are well known for their achievements in writing, astronomy, mathematics, and monumental architecture. However, their artistic traditions, especially in terracotta figures and decorated bowls, also reveal much about their religious beliefs and daily life.
In the Maya civilization, terracotta censers played a central role in religious and ceremonial life. These incense burners, often called incensarios, were used to burn copal resin and other aromatic substances as offerings to the gods. The rising smoke was believed to carry prayers and petitions to the spiritual realm, creating a sacred connection between humans and divine forces.
Maya terracotta censers were frequently elaborately decorated. Many were modeled with the faces of deities, especially the rain god Chaac or the sun god Kinich Ahau. Others featured symbolic motifs such as serpents, jaguars, flowers, and celestial signs. Some censers were large and cylindrical, while others had lids shaped like temples or divine figures. Their detailed craftsmanship demonstrates the high level of artistic skill achieved by Maya artisans.
These objects were commonly used in temples, public plazas, and household shrines. In major cities such as Palenque and Tikal, archaeologists have discovered numerous censers in ritual contexts. Beyond their practical function, they symbolized purification, renewal, and communication with the supernatural world, reflecting the deep spirituality that characterized Maya culture.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateIncesario with male head form
Maya, Classic P., 250 - 900 AD
Terracotta and pigments
19,5 cm height, 22 cm diameter and 31,5 cm long.
PROVENANCE:
- Private collection, Paris, France. 1960 - 1980.
- Thence by descendent.
Condition: Good, see photos.
Documents: With Spanish Import / Export license.
The Maya civilization flourished in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BCE until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Its territory included present-day southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. The Maya are well known for their achievements in writing, astronomy, mathematics, and monumental architecture. However, their artistic traditions, especially in terracotta figures and decorated bowls, also reveal much about their religious beliefs and daily life.
In the Maya civilization, terracotta censers played a central role in religious and ceremonial life. These incense burners, often called incensarios, were used to burn copal resin and other aromatic substances as offerings to the gods. The rising smoke was believed to carry prayers and petitions to the spiritual realm, creating a sacred connection between humans and divine forces.
Maya terracotta censers were frequently elaborately decorated. Many were modeled with the faces of deities, especially the rain god Chaac or the sun god Kinich Ahau. Others featured symbolic motifs such as serpents, jaguars, flowers, and celestial signs. Some censers were large and cylindrical, while others had lids shaped like temples or divine figures. Their detailed craftsmanship demonstrates the high level of artistic skill achieved by Maya artisans.
These objects were commonly used in temples, public plazas, and household shrines. In major cities such as Palenque and Tikal, archaeologists have discovered numerous censers in ritual contexts. Beyond their practical function, they symbolized purification, renewal, and communication with the supernatural world, reflecting the deep spirituality that characterized Maya culture.
Seller's Story
IMPORTANT NOTES:
-We are a professional seller.
- All items sold will come with their professional invoice.
- All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity (warranty document), including the description, image and provenance of the item.
- All items will be shipped via private courier with insurance (DHL express, CORREOS of Spain, or other similar with tracking number).
- All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiques over 100 years old and their price valued.
- For shipping outside of EU: Delivery time subject to customs clearance. Liability and Customs Regulations or Import Requirements applicable in the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We are not responsible for delays caused by customs procedures. Import taxes and vat are not included in the shipping costs. The import tax or VAT payable depends on the country of destination. Payments of any taxes or any disputes with the Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer.
- For some of the items offered, for shipment outside the European Union it is necessary to obtain an Export Permit which will detail the payment by the buyer of Export Fees according to Spanish legislation. If it is necessary it will be mentioned in the description of the article, BECAUSE NOT IN ALL THE CASES IT IS LIKE THAT. These fees will be added to the invoice, at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed on the final auction price and the tax rate is not applied directly on the total value of the item to be exported, but rather the different percentages by sections are applied to it: Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
This export permit application process can take between 1-2 months maximum.
- We guarantee that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Maya,
Century/timeframe
250 - 900 AD
Name of object
Incensario. 31,5 cm L. Spanish Import License. 250 - 900 AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
