The ritual use of copal is closely linked to perfuming with incense or 'tlémaitl'. The word “perfume” refers to “treating something with aromatic smoke to purify it or to make it smell good” and it is used in syncretic rites such as the blessing of seeds, petitioning for rain or thanksgiving for the harvest.

FENOLOGÍA DE LOS COPALES
Content: David Espinosa; Ilustration: Rafael Ruíz; Design: Rosalba Becerra

During the celebrations of Holy Week, all Saints and all Souls, copal is sold in markets and incense can be found on church altars, but is most commonly found in the offerings of both rural and urban households.

In cities, the use of copal is also associated with ceremonies and rituals of different faiths, for example, in the rituals of divination and accompanying prayer.

It is considered that inhalation of the resin or to take it in a tea can help relieve respiratory ailments. Its smoke is also used to purify houses and people, to wish for health and wellbeing, or simply because of the pleasant aroma. Copal oil is used in aromatherapy to treat certain diseases which have effects on the brain associated with emotions, among other responses (limbic system). Meanwhile, the wood is used to make craft items such as the artisanal boxes of Olinalá, Guerrero, and sculptures of fantasy animals or Oaxacan “alebrijes” (wood carvings).

Denomination of Origin

The denomination of origin “Olinalá” (1994) protects “the artisanal wood crafts manufactured with raw materials from Olinalá Municipality, Guerrero state”. However, Olinalá is at high altitude where there are no lináloe (Bursera linanoe), the raw material comes from nearby lower and drier regions such as the eastern Balsas basin.

However, in the face of this shortage, the high value of the wood stock and the absence of permits for legal use, these crafts are today produced with pine woods and other resins that are treated with oil of lináloe.

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