... was used in religious celebrations to symbolise the supreme majesty of God, reverence, purification and sanctification. The fragrant smoke appealed to both the eyes and the nose. When the smoke rose, the image and odour expressed the presence of divinity that connected heaven and earth.

Frankincense is extracted from the resin of Boswellia, a shrub that is native to the modern-day Sultanate of Oman. With a higher market value than gold, frankincense was among the most important merchandise in the ancient and medieval world and brought prosperity to the kingdoms of the Arabian peninsula. It consists of a variety of resins that spread a pleasant fragrance when burned and emit a white smoke that permeates the surroundings.