Principal among the aromatics associated with the southern Arabian Peninsula are the twin gum-resins cut from the trees belonging to the genera Boswellia and Commiphora otherwise known as frankincense and myrrh. Because these resins and their exchange became the reference point for Arabia in the Mediterranean world, it has been almost impossible to investigate Arabian trade and customs without presuming that this trade was composed of frankincense and myrrh, the most remembered ancient fragrances in Western culture.

This presentation analyzes the "aromatics of all kinds" that were in circulation in pre-Islamic/early Islamic Arabia. It links the scientific study of scents to the traditionally shaped cuboid incense burner, an artifact-type for incense-burning in antiquity that remains an iconic touchstone for understanding Arabia's perfume heritage today.

Speaker
William Zimmerle, Humanities Research Fellow, NYUAD

Moderated by
Robert Parthesius, Program Head & Associate Professor, Heritage Studies