Uunsi

Uunsi is a Somali term for the resin of the frankincense tree, burned to produce fragrant smoke. The resin comes mainly from trees of the genus Boswellia. When the solid nuggets are burned, they release a strong aroma used in homes, ceremonies, and places of worship.

The word uunsi sometimes also refers to a mixture of resin, sugar or honey, perfumed bark, and other fragrant materials. The meaning of the term thus depends on context—it may refer either to the raw resin from the tree or to a prepared blend sold commercially.

Origin and trees

Boswellia trees grow in dry regions of East Africa and southern Arabia. Several species exist, each producing resin that differs in color and aroma. Frankincense-type resin is also obtained from Commiphora trees, known in Somali as malmal, which differs from uunsi in aroma and use.

The resin is harvested by making small cuts in the tree trunk. The resin flows out, hardens when exposed to air into small nodules, is then collected, sorted by size and quality, and taken to market.

Use in communities

In Somali homes, uunsi is typically burned in a dabqaad, a shallow vessel filled with hot coals. It is burned when welcoming guests, after meals, at weddings, and at other celebrations. Some women also use the smoke to perfume clothing and hair.

Uunsi figures in religious and customary practices among many communities. It is also used in folk medicine, either inhaled or mixed with water; however, health benefits of such use have not been established by medical research.

Trade

Uunsi is a trade good with a long history, carried along ancient trade routes by sea and land. Today it is sold by perfumery manufacturers, essential oil producers, and in markets catering to traditional practices. Harvesting the resin provides income to pastoral families in the regions where the trees grow. Overharvesting and environmental change have been identified as threats to the trees.