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Liturgical Objects
Censer
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Incense rises from the censer throughout the liturgy, filling the church with fragrant smoke as a sign of the prayers of the saints rising to God. Small bells on the chains ring with every swing.
Why it matters
Frankincense has been gathered in the Horn of Africa since antiquity, and incense is central to Ethiopian worship.
Object details
- Date
- 20th century
- Material
- Brass with chains and bells
- Dimensions
- Height c. 25 cm
- Origin
- Church workshop
- Gallery
- Liturgical Objects
Look closely
- Three chains with small bells
- Pierced domed lid
- Used for frankincense
Illustrative record — to be replaced with the church’s documented object and photograph.