This collection is of the dark resins sustainably sourced by directly working with the harvesting communities.

Boswellia neglecta (Thurimel) · Somalia

This is a “light” harvest and varies from the Kenyan species by being aromatically bright and citrus toned, but notes of peppered honey and warm amber still remain. It's a rare species to find on the market as it is considered a “Honey type” or a “Thurimel” versus the black granules often marketed as neglecta. The light harvests come from the initial sap of the neglecta tree before a darker sap forms, which acts as a callus resin and takes on the granular formation. It contains no water soluble gum, is more robust of an aroma than its Kenyan relative, and has been used to strengthen one mentally, spiritually, and physically. It will pool on your charcoal, melt in warm waxes, and dissolve in alcohol. Locals trade neglecta to use in ritual, incense, and medicine making.

By purchasing this species, you are not only experiencing a rare botanical but you are directly impacting the lives of those who harvest it.

Burn profile: bright citrus, warm peppered honey, amber, and musk.

Boswellia neglecta (Dakar) · Samburu Tribe, N. Kenya

This is a special harvest of frankincense as it is the initial shipment after a fair trade cooperative was established with our personal source. Working directly with the women of the Samburu Tribe in Kenya, he was able to sustainably establish a steady relationship for this fresh and medicinal resin. The women who harvest gain monetary autonomy with each sale, but also use it as a means to personally purchase medicine and food. It is against their belief systems to tap or scar the trees, so they only collect naturally formed sap. Neglecta is rare for the West, but it has been generationally used as sacred incense, to ease respiratory complaints, for sick children, and during labor. By purchasing this species, you are not only experiencing a rare botanical but you are directly impacting the lives of the women who harvest it.

Burn profile: clean, coniferous, and earthy sweetness.

Boswellia rivae · Ogaden—Somali Region—Ethiopia

The vibrancy of this frankincense is what should be noticed. It's been described to have a “haunting” aroma that strikes a chord of familiarity if you have worked with palo santo. Warming and heart strengthening, this grounding resin has been used to cleanse homes, sanctify sacred spaces, and is traditionally used in Bakhoor incense. Local communities utilize it for anti-inflammatory properties, to expedite wound healing, aid scarring, and to reduce signs of aging. It is especially beautiful because it’s gently harvested by the goat and camel herders of the Somali region in Ethiopia that was once called Ogaden. This pastoral community sustainably harvests the resin to add financial security to their increasingly difficult way of life. Our source directly works with these folks to establish a cooperative that ensures fair trade for their work and product. By purchasing this species, you are not only experiencing a rare botanical but you are directly impacting the lives of those who harvest it.

Burn profile: smooth wood, spice, and complex sweetness.