Copal is a natural tree resin, not a single plant, valued for its aromatic properties. It has a rich history of use in various applications, bridging ancient traditions and modern uses globally.
What is Copal and Its Botanical Origins
Copal is a resinous substance in an intermediate stage between fresh tree sap and fully fossilized amber, often called a subfossil resin. It primarily comes from trees in the Burseraceae family.
In the Americas, sources include Bursera and Protium genera, such as Protium copal and Bursera copallifera. These tropical trees exude aromatic resins. East Africa also sources copal from Hymenaea verrucosa species.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Copal holds historical and cultural significance, particularly among pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations like the Maya and Aztec. The word “copal” comes from the Nahuatl “copalli,” meaning “incense” or “scented smoke.” These cultures considered copal sacred, using it extensively as incense in religious ceremonies. They burned large quantities atop pyramids as offerings to deities.
The white smoke was associated with “White Gods” and believed to connect heaven and earth. Archaeological findings at sites like Templo Mayor and Chichen Itza confirm its ceremonial importance. Beyond incense, copal was used in traditional medicine for various ailments. Some indigenous groups still use copal in ceremonies today, such as sweat lodge rituals and Day of the Dead celebrations.
Diverse Uses and Types of Copal
Beyond its historical use as incense, copal has other applications. Historically, it was incorporated into varnishes and lacquers, especially East African copal, for durable wood finishes. The resin also served as an adhesive, used by the Aztec people for affixing precious stones to teeth and in masks. In traditional medicine, copal has been employed for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, treating respiratory issues and pain.
Copal is categorized by color, source, and age. Common varieties include white, gold, and black copal. White copal has a light, citrusy scent, gold copal a warm, resinous aroma, and black copal a darker color with an earthy, deep scent. Regional variations exist, such as South American copal from Protium species and Kauri copal from New Zealand’s Agathis australis. Harvesting involves cutting tree bark to allow sap to flow and harden, or collecting naturally exuded drops.
Copal vs. Amber
Copal and amber are both natural tree resins, but their distinction lies in their age and degree of fossilization. Copal is a younger resin, an intermediate stage in fossilization, while amber is fully fossilized, undergoing millions of years of transformation. This age difference results in varying physical and chemical properties.
Amber is harder and more stable than copal. One way to differentiate them is by applying a drop of acetone or alcohol; copal becomes tacky, whereas amber remains unaffected. Copal has a lighter, more citrine color compared to the deeper hues of older amber. When a heated needle is applied, copal melts more quickly and emits a light, fragrant odor, while amber is slower to melt and produces a more sooty, piney scent.