Character
The Story of Frankincense Orpur
A luminous resinous note from the sacred Boswellia tree. Steam-distilled from aged gum resin, Orpur® frankincense carries ancient warmth, quiet smoke, and quiet depth that anchors a fragrance long after the top notes fade.
Heritage
Frankincense shaped the economies of the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa for millennia. Somalia and Yemen produced some of the most prized resin in the ancient world, traded alongside gold and spices along routes that connected Arabia with Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Egyptian priests burned the resin in temples and incorporated it into cosmetics and balms. Arabian merchants controlled much of this supply, making frankincense a luxury commodity as valuable as silk was later to become. The material carried unmistakable sacred weight: burned in religious rituals, presented as offerings, and woven into burial practices across multiple civilizations. In perfumery, it transitioned from ceremonial incense to a subtle fixative and heart-note, prized for the way it lends quiet gravity to a composition without dominating it.
At a Glance
2
Feature this note
Somalia
Primary source region
Ingredient Details
Steam distillation
Gum resin (cured tears)
Did You Know
"Somalia and Yemen were the ancient world's primary frankincense suppliers, fueling Arabian trade routes that reached Egypt and beyond."