Encyclopedia of African Religion

massaging King Tutankhamun’s arm with floral
scented oil; Pharaoh Thutmose IV (18th dynasty,
reigned, 1401–1391 BC) burning incense to
appease and attract the gods; Pharaoh Empress
Hatshepsut (18th dynasty, reigned 1479–1458
BC) monitoring the shipment delivery of frankin-
cense and myrrh; and the import of Boswellia
Carterii, Boswellia Frereana Commiphora
Myrrha trees to Punt from South Arabia, Somalia,
and Ethiopia.
Frankincense, myrrh, almond, and cedar were
the most desired and valued fragrance incenses
and oils in Kemet, as well as India and
Mesopotamia. Frankincense and myrrh were
just as valuable as gold in that era and hundreds
of years following. It was recorded in the Bible
that infant Jesus was given frankincense, myrrh,
and gold by three wise men as an offering
to appease, bless, and respect his coming in this
realm of existence. An extensive frankincense
and myrrh trade route was established from
India to Kemet, which was just as prominent as
the highly valued ancient gold, salt, silk, and
spice routes.
The priests in Kemet used incense to assist in
elevating the spiritual belief to create a positive
effect on the psyche of the ill and a demon-
haunted person. In a similar fashion, priests in
Kemet employed strong incense to induce
trances, temple sleeps, oracles, and divination
visions during ceremonies.
The nonroyal people of Kemet used the sweet
aroma of incenses and oils to burn on altars in
their homes and adorn the body. Many of the nat-
ural incenses and oils currently available to bless
and purify the home with beautiful fragrances and
adorn the bodies with sweet scents for emotional
and spiritual elevation are similar to those used
during the zenith times of Kemet. Throughout
Africa, the use of incense and oils during religious
ceremonies is widely attested. The belief in the
spiritual nature of incense and oil is indeed wide-
spread, and has become an intricate part of
African religion.
The art of making highly fragrant appealing
incenses and oils emerged throughout various
locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas,
and other locations of the world. Currently, in the
United States and other Western countries, the art
of creating beautifully scented fragrance incenses

and oils is associated with the “New Age” and are

positioned in the marketplace as aromatherapy.

Ibo Changa

SeealsoCeremonies; Clay; Water

Further Readings

Fischer-Rizza, S. (1998).The Complete Incense Book.

New York: Sterling.

Fletcher, J. (1998).Oils and Perfumes of Ancient Egypt.

London: British Museum Press.

Loughan, J., & Bull, R. (2001).Aromatherapy Anointing

Oils:Spiritual Blessings,Ceremonies,and

Affirmations. New York: Frog Books.

Manniche, L. (2006).An Ancient Egyptian Herbal.

London: British Museum Press.

Manniche, L., & Forman, W. (1999).Sacred Luxuries:

Fragrance,Aromatherapy,and Cosmetics in Ancient

Egypt. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Worwood, V. A. (1999).The Fragrant Heavens:The

Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy.

Novato, CA: New World Library.

INFERTILITY

In Africa, infertility is most commonly thought of as

a terrible curse, certainly one of the most tragic

things that one might experience. Such a conception

of infertility as a great misfortune is attested early

on in Africa, even among the gods. As one might

remember, Ra, the supreme god in Kemet (ancient

Egypt), had cursed Nut, the goddess of mist, whom

he considered his wife, with barrenness: Jealous of

Nut’s feelings for Geb, the god of the Earth, Ra

placed a spell on Nut, condemning her to eternal

infertility. She should never bear children.

Fertility, the regeneration and continuation of

life, is highly valued by African people in general.

Great care is taken to ensure the continuous and

harmonious reproduction of life, in all its forms, be

it human, animal, or land. Precautionary measures

are taken to avoid infertility. For instance, because

women are most valued as child-bearers, they will

avoid certain foods or certain places before or

during pregnancy. After giving birth, they will also

observe certain rules to protect their child.

Infertility 341