Incensario Vessel with Lid

Costa Rican incense burners are artifacts that reflect ancient beliefs and rituals. Incense burners like this one were used in religious ceremonies and healing rituals. The smoke from burning incense created a sensory experience that connected participants to the spirit world. 

The Spanish term incensario translates to “incense burner” in English. Incense burners are generally made from fire-resistant materials like ceramic or metal. This ceramic incense burner still has traces of sediment on its surface, from the archaeological site where it was found. 

The bowl and lid have decorative borders that resemble crocodile scales or the texture of a ceiba tree. The lid tapers up to a crocodile figure resting on top. The spiky crest around the crocodile’s head is a design element found on many ancient incense burners. The crocodile figure is hollow and has several openings that allow smoke to pass through from the bowl. When incense was burned inside this vessel, smoke escaped through the holes in the lid and the crocodile’s body. 

Ancient Costa Ricans viewed crocodiles as symbols of power and strength. Crocodiles were believed to possess supernatural powers like guarding the underworld. They were also linked to rain and fertility, reflecting their role in the ecosystem.