Plant n. From Latin planta, later influenced by French plante. (botany)
- An organism of the kingdom Plantae; now specifically, a living organism of the Embryophyta (land plants) or of the Chlorophyta (green algae), a eukaryote that includes double-membraned chloroplasts in its cells containing chlorophyll, or any organism closely related to such an organism.
Alchemy n. From Old French alchimie, alquemie « Medieval Latin alkimia « Arabic الكيمياء (al-kīmiyā’) « Arabic definite article al (‘the’) + Ancient Greek χημεία or χυμεία (khēmeia or chymeia); originally “a mingling, infusion, juice, liquid, especially as extracted from plants” and later “alchemy” « perhaps from Χημία (Khēmia – ‘land of black earth’ (in contrast to the surrounding red desert) – an ancient name for Egypt) and/or χυμός (khumos – juice, sap) and χυμεία (khumeia – ‘pouring together’). Also likely related to the Old Persian کیمی (kimiya – ‘gold’, ‘science of elemental transformation’).
- The ancient search for a universal panacea, the Elixir of Life and of the Philosopher’s Stone; the fusion of philosophy and science that developed in the Middle Ages and eventually evolved into chemistry.
- The causing of any sort of mysterious sudden transformation; usually by means of a magical power or process; often wherein something of little value is transformed into something of much greater value.
We trade in a carefully selected variety of unique, hand-made ethnographic arts & crafts created by indigenous peoples in a manner consistent with their traditions, as well as a wide range of top quality incense, herbs, seeds, resins, extracts and natural dyes. We specialise in fine quality natural incense-making materials and in art inspired by plants; unique ethnographic and visionary/shamanic art that celebrates the relationship between plants and people.
Unlike many other businesses, we do not prioritise profit margins over all else; for us ethical considerations always take priority. We are committed to the principles of fair trade, and do not sell the ubiquitous trinkets mass-produced by workers toiling under exploitative conditions in developing countries that litter the western ‘exotic’ art/craft market. Here you will find only unique, authentic items skilfully crafted with love and care by genuine artisans.
By investing in the art and crafts of indigenous peoples around the world – who are under immense pressure to leave their homes and history behind to become economic refugees and join the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid that is our globalised economic hamsterwheel – we and you can help to provide them with a viable economic alternative that promotes their cultural heritage and helps ensure the survival of their ancient traditions, while enriching the monotony of consumer culture with much-needed wisdom and insight from people living closer to the Earth.
The art and science of incense production is one of the oldest forms of plant alchemy, practised by cultures around the world for millennia. alquemica pallistica (‘tree alchemy’), cienci vegetal (‘plant science’) and ciencia de los palos (‘science of trees’) are mestizo terms describing aspects of the Amazonian tradition of vegetalismo; another ancient form of plant alchemy that has been a source of inspiration for Amazonian artists and shamans for millennia. An older, Quechua term is caspi yachai (‘tree wisdom’).
This website is hosted on servers powered by 100+% renewable energy and we do everything possible to maintain carbon neutrality in all aspects of our business.
