Censers were religious vessels associated with Early Hohokam cremation ceremonies. It is unknown if the censers burned incense, oil or substances like lead (for its color-changing properties). Most censers are recovered from male burials along with other ornamental objects.

The censer above is made of red-on-buff ware with geometric lines, a Sacatan Phase style produced between 950-1050/1150 AD. By 1150 AD, Hohokom death rituals changed from cremations to inhumations. Censers, along with other prestige goods like palettes and figurines, were no longer in style.

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