Muttrah Top 10 Purchases

(2) Frankincense

This biblical resin is a real thing that is extracted from frankincense trees in Dhofar – the southern part of Oman, which has been known for thousands of years as a trading port and a source of frankincense. It is still widely burnt around Omani houses around the year as incense to improve the smell of the home or clothing after they are dried in the hot air. Frankincense is also chewed or ingested with water for medicinal reasons. The price of a frankincense varies depending on the quantity and quality of the product in question. The more transparent the resin is, the higher its quality.

(3) Incense Burners

As an incidental part of the frankincense business, Omanis had to create their own incense burners, each known as a Majmar to consume frankincense and other forms of woods and oils which are burnt for their smell. There are many different kinds and sizes of these traditional clay burners depending on the region in which they are made, some are minimalist in design while others have elaborate engravings and make extensive use of colors. The majmar is operated by placing a hot piece of coal on it and then placing the incense over the coal to make it burn.

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