Incense Burner in the form of an Armadillo

This silver “sahumador” (incense burner) was made in the shape of an armadillo, a species of rodent found all over the Americas. This object may have been a prized possession in a wealthy private residence, indicated by the material, the detail of the silverwork, and the purpose of the object (to keep interior spaces fragrant). There is a hinge on the armadillo's tail that allows the mechanism to open, for filling the brazier inside with a heating agent. There are small perforations all along the armadillo’s armor to let the smoke out, and the object is also perforated at the top to keep the smoke billowing. The dancing figure at the top of the object may have been a later addition.