Incensiary vessel of Dieburg

This terracotta cultic vessel was discovered in 1926 in a Mithraeum at Dieburg. Formed with two ansae and a narrow base, it has a lip that extends into the interior with a flat stub perforated by eight holes set at an equal distance from each other. This distinctive feature enables the vessel to be interpreted as an incense-burner or a censer, partially filled with sand that was covered with ashes on which incense or fragrant herbs were placed. This vessel for incense from Dieburg is by no means a unique discovery. Vessels of this type have been unearthed at other Mithraea, in Germania Inferio…