"Trade in frankincense resin once made the southern region of Oman one of the wealthiest in the world. According to the Bible, the three kings presented gifts of frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus and at the time these were considered more valuable than gold." -Oman Explorer. Frankincense resin looks like small rocks. This photo is from a local souk (market). The vendor has a clay incense burner, a small piece of charcoal to provide the heat and the frankincense resin is placed on the burning charcoal. This creates a fragrant cloud with an aroma that cannot be captured over the internet!
Thank you. Do the trees that produce this resin grow there? Their is a bodega on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn that looks so much like the shop in your picture, with bags of frankincense stacked high. I understand the lighter colored resin is considered the best.
ReplyDeleteYes, the trees grow here in Oman! I haven't heard about quality of resin and the relation to its color. I'll ask about that next time out.
ReplyDeleteTo experience a Middle Eastern souk is an olfactory ride you cannot imagine.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn;
ReplyDeleteJust started viewing your Oman Opus. I'll check it out all the time now.
Miss you all very much
Joeann