Oman Shaabi Frankincense 50 g – Boswellia sacra

Oman Shaabi Frankincense is a natural olibanum resin from the Sultanate of Oman, sold under the botanical name Boswellia sacra. The resin pieces display warm shades ranging from pale yellow, cream and beige to honey-coloured amber. When heated, they release the characteristic resinous and balsamic fragrance of traditional Omani frankincense.

This Shaabi selection is available in two grain sizes: small and large resin pieces. Both varieties contain the same type of frankincense and are offered in 50 g bags. The differences concern the size and appearance of the resin pieces, not their botanical origin.

Shaabi – traditional frankincense from Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the best-known sources of natural frankincense. The southern region of Dhofar, in particular, has a long history of frankincense harvesting and resin trading. Frankincense trees of the species Boswellia sacra grow there, adapted to the dry, rocky landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula.

Since antiquity, Omani frankincense has been traded along routes throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The aromatic resin was a valued commodity and was used in religious ceremonies, everyday life and traditional incense burning.

The name Shaabi, also written Sha'abi, Sha'bi or Shabi, is one of the trade designations for Omani frankincense. It describes a commercial grade rather than a distinct botanical species. This selection should be distinguished from the well-known Superior Hojari and Royal Hojari grades.

The Shaabi offered here is sold as frankincense from Oman. Independent confirmation of the precise harvesting location or the commercial grading of this particular resin batch is not available.

Two grain sizes – small and large resin pieces

Shaabi frankincense is available in our range in two varieties, which can be selected directly from the product options:

• Small grains (small/medium): a mixture of smaller resin pieces and irregular fragments in pale yellow, cream, beige and slightly amber-coloured shades. This variety is particularly convenient for measuring out small quantities of incense.
• Large grains (medium/large): larger resin pieces, some rounded, elongated or angular, with naturally varying shapes and warm yellowish to light brown tones. They can also be carefully broken into smaller pieces if required.

The resin surfaces are often matt and may appear slightly powdery in places. Some areas may be somewhat translucent. These natural variations are part of the resin's appearance.

Grain size is primarily a matter of personal preference and the desired quantity for incense burning. Larger pieces are not necessarily more aromatic or of better quality than smaller grains of the same resin grade.

Fragrance profile – classically resinous and balsamic

When gently heated, Oman Shaabi releases the typical resinous, balsamic fragrance of olibanum. Its aroma has the characteristic frankincense undertone that has been associated with the incense traditions of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries.

Its fragrance character is similar to that of the familiar frankincense resins from Boswellia sacra and the varieties commercially designated as Boswellia carterii. However, this similarity in fragrance does not mean that it is a mixture of different resins.

The release of fragrance depends particularly on the quantity used and the temperature. Gentle heating allows the natural resinous fragrance to be appreciated in greater detail, whereas direct, intense heat can produce considerably more smoke.

Frankincense in Omani culture

Frankincense holds particular cultural significance in the Sultanate of Oman. Burning aromatic resins is one of the country's traditional customs and remains part of various aspects of everyday life today.

Traditionally, frankincense is used, for example, to perfume living spaces and clothing, and during social occasions. Olibanum also has an established place in religious contexts and personal incense practices.

In various incense traditions, frankincense is symbolically associated with purification, hospitality, reflection and spiritual contemplation. These meanings form part of cultural and religious traditions and do not represent scientifically proven effects.

How to burn Oman Shaabi frankincense

Both grain sizes are suitable for use on an incense burner or on suitable incense charcoal. To control the release of fragrance, it is advisable to begin with a small amount of resin.

• On an incense burner: Place a few resin pieces on a suitable incense plate or incense mesh and heat them slowly. A moderate temperature allows you to discover the balsamic frankincense fragrance without unnecessary overheating.
• On incense charcoal: Allow an incense charcoal tablet to become fully glowing until a grey layer of ash has formed. Then place a small amount of resin on top. Intense smoke can develop quickly at high temperatures.
• Dosage: Small grains can be measured out individually. Larger resin pieces can be carefully broken into smaller fragments if required. More resin can be added later according to the desired fragrance intensity.

Anyone wishing to discover the natural fragrance of Omani frankincense can begin by burning Shaabi on its own. It can also be combined with other traditional incense materials, although its own resinous and balsamic character should remain the main focus.

Product characteristics

• Product: Oman Shaabi Frankincense
• Botanical name: Boswellia sacra
• Plant family: Burseraceae (frankincense and myrrh family)
• Country of origin: Oman (Sultanate of Oman), according to supplier information
• Material: natural frankincense resin
• Trade designation: Shaabi, also Sha'abi, Sha'bi or Shabi
• Available varieties: small grains (small/medium) and large grains (medium/large)
• Colour: pale yellow, cream, beige, honey-coloured to light brown
• Fragrance character: typically resinous and balsamic
• Net contents: 50 g per variety
• Use: for burning on charcoal or on a suitable incense burner

For incense burning only. Place the incense vessel on a stable, heat-resistant surface and never leave it unattended. Use the resin sparingly, avoid directly inhaling the smoke and ventilate the room thoroughly after burning the incense. Keep children and pets away from the heat source.