Green Amber Necklace BC0220

Copal is the Latin American (Colombian) amber that flows from a variety of trees in these tropical climates. We can find it in various shades of green and yellow. Copal is a non-fossilized resin because it is younger than classic amber. It has historical uses by indigenous tribes in a ceremonial setting because it is traditionally burned as incense. More generally, the term Copalium is defined as the resinous substance that is in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between gummier resins and amber.

The word Copal comes from the Nahuatl word copalli, meaning incense. Copal is also used in ancient Mayan and Aztec ceremonies as a ritual offering to the gods. It is still used by several indigenous peoples in southern Mexico and Central America during shelter building ceremonies as well as sacred mushroom ceremonies.

tags: necklace, green amber.