Ancient Mesoamerica

Table of Contents - 1991 - Volume 2, Issue 02  

Special Section: Imagery and Notation at Teotihuacan

A Teotihuacan Censer in a Residential Context: An Interpretation

Linda Manzanillaa1 and Emilie Carreóna1

a1 Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México D.F. 04510

Abstract

This article describes an elaborate “theater-type censer” found around a burial in a residential apartment compound of the Late Xolalpan phase excavated at Teotihuacan. It consists of a richly dressed human figure associated with representations of plants and food, clouds and flowers, and butterfly symbols. Its context and the associated elements attached to the censer evoke fire, death, and fertility symbolism.