Resumen

MONTUFAR LOPEZ, Aurora. Copal of Bursera Bipinnata. A Ritual Mesoamerican Resin. Trace (Méx. DF) [online]. 2016, n.70, pp.45-78. ISSN 2007-2392.

This article shows that the copal chino (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. It emphasizes the use of copal in the calendar festivities of worship of the sun and the 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. In the rites of agricultural production it allowed health, and in various tasks of subsistence it allowed success. Current use of copal is explained as an allegory of Mesoamerican cultural continuity in the festivities of Temalacatzingo (contemporary ritual), showing that it has a major role in the rituals offered to the ancient and Christian entities.

Palabras llave : Copal; ritual; Temalacatzingo; aromatic smoke; Bursera bippinnata.

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