Tradition and Trade

Frankincense

Frankincense is the resin produced by various trees in the genus Boswellia. The trees grow in the dry areas of north-eastern Africa and southern Arabia. The resin is harvested by nomadic tribes, who visit the trees periodically. They make small cuts in the bark and return to collect the ‘tears’ of solidified whitish resin a few weeks later. Trees can yield several kilogrammes of resin each year.

Frankincense has long been valued for the sweet-smelling fumes it produces when burnt. Ancient Egyptians used the resin in religious rites, in anointing the mummified bodies of their kings, and to treat wounds and sores. Incense containing frankincense was found in Tutankhamun's tomb. In the Christian faith, frankincense was one of the three gifts given to the infant Jesus by the Wise Men. It is still used in religious ceremonies by the Parsees, cultural descendants of the Wise Men.

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