Copal of Bursera Bipinnata. A Ritual Mesoamerican Resin

Abstract

This article shows that the Chinese copal (Bursera bippinnata) was a resin offered to the gods in Mesoamerican agricultural rituals. It explains the process of extraction in the Balsas River basin which has not changed in the last five centuries ago. It emphasizes the use of copal in the calendar festivities of worship to sun and gods of Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and War, because its aromatic smoke, that was also considered divine food, allowed the link between deities and humans; and in the rites of agricultural production, it allowed health and success in various tasks of subsistence. Current use in the festivities of Temalacatzingo (contemporary ritual) as an allegory of Mesoamerican cultural continuity is explained, showing that the copal has a major role in the rituals offering rituals to the ancient and Christian entities.