Yemen: An incense burner in bronze decorated with an ibex handle, c. BCE 250

Incense - myrrh and frankincense - travelled north along the ancient Incense Roads from Yeman and Oman from early antiquity. Used in worship and to perfume the air, various types of incense burner were used in this process.

In this instance, the head of the stylised lion is hinged and can be tipped forward, allowing the body of the lion to be filled with glowing embers. Incense was then scattered on the embers, and the fragrant smoke resulting escaped through the patterned holes in the lions chest, neck and flanks.

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