Censer in the shape of a bird on a horned lizard

This censer consists of two separable animal-shaped parts, it can be identified as a metaphor of the two levels of the cosmos. The recipient at the base, which would be used to place some type of resin, such as copal, to be burnt and produce aromatic smoke, has the appearance of a horned lizard.

It is a small reptile also known as a false chameleon or horned toad; it has a flat oval-shaped body and short tail which are covered in thorny scales, its head is triangular and some species have horns; in the case of this figure the cone-shaped protuberances clearly make reference to these scales and horns. As I have previously stated, in the West of Mesoamerica this reptile symbolizes the earth monster, a sacred entity whose though and rough skin replicates the dry surface of the earth with its hills and valleys.

In this piece the lid of the recipient continues the shaping described in such a way that the body of the lizard grows upwards and seems to form a hill. Likewise a plant species reminiscent of the trunk of a Pochote or Ceiba tree symbolizes the earth crust and in certain images it plays the role of an axis mundi that communicates all layers of the cosmos. Thus, the bird with wings outstretched and marked feathers that crowns the composition seems to be perched on a mountain or a tree. Being a bird which occupies the superior level, it alludes to the celestial level of the vertical structure of the universe.

This piece is hollow and the incense would exit through the mouth of both animals. The enormous importance of censers in the ceremonies carried out by the Mesoamericans is worth noting; on numerous occasions they would light copal for religious purposes since the volatile substance that was generated constituted a means of communication with the gods; it attracted their attention, was used as an offering and, at the same time, a way to ensure their pleas were heard.