Copal, Sumatra Dark (Bureseru sp.)

Unit size: 1 ounce

Origin: Sumatra

Form: Pieces with some powder

Other names: Mexican Dark Copal, Brown Copal, Black Mayan Copal, Obsidian Copal

Esoteric Uses: Grounding, attraction, evocation, happiness, celebration

Esoteric Associations: Venus, Earth

Incense Aroma: Smooth, warm, earthy and sweet

Copal is sacred to the indigenous cultures of the Central and South Americas. It is burned year round in the churches in Mexico, but is best known for its use in the homes during Day of the Dead. It is said that the familiar scent of Copal helps the souls find their way back during their annual visit home.

The various Copal resins of Mexico and the Americas are closely related to the Copals of Africa and the Damars of India and Indonesia, so much so that they are often confused and sold under wrong names. The American Copals generally have a sweeter aroma. This Rich Dark Copal is not the same as Copal Negro from Mexico, which is very rare. It is popularly sold around the world as "Rich Dark Mayan Copal", but it actually comes from Sumatra.