ZAPOTHEQUE, Monte Albán, Mexico, AD 450 - 700 - Lot 120

ZAPOTHEQUE, Monte Albán, Mexico, AD 450 - 700 Ceremonial incense burner depicting Huehueteotl, the old fire god, seated, face scarified and head adorned with a turban crossed over the forehead. Beige terracotta with remnants of white color, broken, glued, chip at end of turban Height 27.5 cm Width: 23 cm Provenance : Private collection, Southern California, USA, acquired between 1970 and 1980 Artemis Gallery, 12/06/2018. Collection of Professor Kenneth Graham. In Zapotec culture, Huehueteotl, the ancient god of fire, symbolized light, warmth and life, opposing darkness, cold and death. Often depicted as an old man, he embodied wisdom and the continuity of the home. Censers bearing his effigy were essential for rituals in which aromatic resins were burned to purify spaces and honor deities. This censer illustrates the Zapotecs' devotion to Huehueteotl and their artistic mastery of ceramics. Expert: Serge REYNES