Vintage Zanzibar Handmade Metal Charcoal Incense Burner Censer African Folk Art

Vintage handmade metal charcoal incense burner or censer marked with an old typed paper label reading “Made in Zanzibar.”

The piece is constructed from hand-cut and folded sheet metal with riveted and wrapped wire supports. It features a perforated inner fire tray, circular outer body, small metal feet, and a tall three-wire suspension frame. The upper handgrip is made from rolled tapered metal, possibly brass or another copper-alloy metal, and is soldered in place.

Likely used for burning charcoal with frankincense, myrrh, oud, or other aromatic resins. The open and perforated construction provides airflow beneath the charcoal.

Measures approximately 14 inches tall overall. Base is approximately 5 to 6 inches across.

Preowned vintage condition with heavy oxidation, surface rust, soot, discoloration, dust, scratches, and age-related wear throughout. The bottom shows visible heat staining and previous use. Metal has bends and irregularities consistent with handmade construction. The old Zanzibar label remains attached and shows age and wear.

No cleaning or restoration has been attempted. Please review all photographs closely for condition and construction details.

A distinctive piece of Zanzibar, East African, Swahili, ethnographic, incense, and handmade folk-metalwork history.

Suggested Price

Item Specifics

Type: Charcoal incense burner / censer

Region: Zanzibar, East Africa

Material: Metal

Construction: Handmade

Approximate era: Mid-20th century

Height: Approximately 14 in

Condition: Used vintage condition

Features: Perforated charcoal tray, suspension frame, rolled metal grip