The use of incense dates back to prehistoric times when it was used in religious ceremonies. One of the first records is the discovery of incense at Catal Huyuk, Turkey. The Sumerians are known for their extensive use of
incense and frankincense ("Boswellia sacra") was among one of their many trade items.
Animal sacrifices were common during this time but they also had another ritual that involved burning dried plants on hot stones or coals, which produced smoke said to purify the air itself.
On closer examination by archaeologists, censers can be found dating back as far as 3500 BC in Mesopotamia. These censers were often shaped like animals with a small hole on top allowing smoke to escape. The oldest representation of a censer is that of the Mesopotamian god Enlil, found on a stone relief dating back to 2350 BC.
The first records of use in Egypt date back to the Fifth Dynasty (c. 2498-2345 BC). Worshippers at temples would burn
incense as an offering to their gods and also during purification rites. Inscriptions from this time mention how incense was used by priests during temple rituals and these blocks have been found which were most likely placed inside special burners or dishes known as censers.
These censers were often made from alabaster, marble, or limestone and would be decorated with religious symbols such as eyes meant to watch over the area where the incense was burned.
The ancient Egyptians used incense of myrrh ("Commiphora myrrha"), frankincense ("Boswellia sacra"), and cinnamon, which were all known under the name "Ketemet-spice".
These spices were among some of the most costly in their time and only the rich could enjoy them. However, lower classes did get to enjoy these spices on special occasions; for example during the Opet Festival when a parade would make its way through Egypt with perfume makers releasing scents into the air.
During this festival, there would be many different types of incense burners but one would stand out amongst them all, this is because it was shaped like the "nebty" scepter, which is not only an object representing Lower Egypt but also its protection.
The ritual of burning incense during this time was to purify the air and would be done by both priests as well as laypeople who wanted to pray or offer a sacrifice.
