copal

A copal with few termites

Copal is a type of resin produced from plant sap^[1], often from members of the genus Copaifera. The term is particularly identified with the aromatic tree resins used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as ceremonially burned incense and other purposes.^[2] More generally, the term copal describes resinous substances in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between more 'gummy' resins and amber.^[3] The word copal is derived from the Nahuatl language word copalli, meaning "incense".^[4]

To the pre-Columbian Maya and contemporary Maya peoples it is known in the various Mayan languages as pom (or a close variation thereof), although the word itself has been demonstrated to be a loanword to Mayan from Mixe-Zoquean languages.

It is sometimes likened to, or substituted for, amber and put in jewellery.

Copal is still used by a number of indigenous peoples of Mexico and Central America as an incense and during sweat lodge ceremonies^[5]. It is available in different forms. The hard, amber-like yellow copal is a less expensive version. The white copal, a hard, milky, sticky substance, is a more expensive version of the same resin.

References

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