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The production and export of incense was a vital
part of the economy of ancient Yemen. Large
numbers of incense burners and stands have
been excavated which display an extraordinary
variety of shape and form, reflecting the
importance of incense within local society. Metal
burners were undoubtedly the most costly but
the majority that survive are made of stone or
pottery. Local aromatics included frankincense
and myrrh and were famous across the
Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. In 450
BC, for example, the Greek historian Herodotus
remarked, ‘Arabia is the only the place that
produces frankincense, myrrh, cassia, cinnamon
and the gum called ledanon…the whole country
exhales a more than earthly fragrance.’
This exceptional bronze sculpture was probably
used as a stand to hold an incense burner. The
neck is cylindrical with a wide narrow band above
a flared base. The circular platform has a ridged
exterior from which protrudes a spectacular bull
head. The bulging eyes, wide nostrils and short
ears are all portrayed with great naturalism.
There are rings between the horns and around
the upper body, the exact purpose of which is
still unclear. A stand of this quality would have
been a luxury item, perhaps donated to a temple
or interred in a richly furnished tomb. Surviving
incense burners are often inscribed and this
example is no exception. The text on the neck
may refer to the previous owner, record a
dedication or even the name of a particular type
of incense. This is an extremely rare and
fascinating survival.
For Sabean incense burners in general see St
John Simpson ed., ‘Queen of Sheba: Treasures
from Ancient Yemen,’ (British Museum, 2002),
pp. 95-98, p. 207.
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