Acerra (incense box)

In Ancient Roman sacrificial tradition, an acerra (Greek: "polytonic|λιβανωτρίς") was the incense box used in sacrifices. The incense was taken out of the acerra and let fall upon the burning altar; hence, we have the expression "de acerra libare". (turibulum)

The acerra was also, according to Festus (s.v.), a small altar, placed before the dead, on which perfumes were burnt. There was a law in the Twelve Tables, which restricted the use of acerrae at funerals.

References

*GRA