Incense Burner in the Form of a Female Head in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Incense Burner in the Form of a Female Head


Creator: Greek (Sculptor)

Period: 3rd century BC (Hellenistic)

Medium: terracotta with paint (Ceramics)

Accession Number: 48.2525

Measurements: 6 7/8 x 4 3/4 x 4 5/16 in. (17.5 x 12.1 x 11 cm)

Geography: Canosa, Italy (Place of Discovery)


Incense burners in this form were used to burn frankincense. The absence of burn marks on this example indicates that it was probably a burial gift. The maiden is probably the goddess Kore (Persephone) who, with her mother Demeter, was deeply revered in South Italy.


Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/21632/incense-burner-in-the-for...