Incense Boat (Navette)

Place of OriginLimoges, France

Date13th century

Dimensions2 1/2 × 3 1/8 × 7 7/8 in. (6.4 × 7.9 × 20 cm)

MediumChamplevé enamel on gilded copper

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1950.252

Not on View

DescriptionBoat-shaped censer

Label TextThis incense boat, or navicula (meaning “little boat” in Latin), stored the incense required for many church rituals, including the mass. Burning incense, such as frankincense and myrrh, served as both an act of purification and an offering to God. The dragons on the handles symbolically protected the precious contents.