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Thedabqaad (Somali for "fire raiser"), also known asgirgire, anduunsi is aSomaliincense burner, orcenser. With either one or two handles, it is commonly used inSomalia,Ethiopia andDjibouti.
Dabqaads are traditionally used to perfume homes after large meals and/or during special occasions, such as when one is expecting guests.
Frankincense (foox/fooh) or a prepared incense (uunsi), is placed on top of hotcharcoal inside an incense burner, thedabqaad. It then burns for about ten minutes. This keeps the house fragrant for hours.
The dabqaad pot is made from a whiteclay orsoapstone found in specific areas of Somalia.Meerschaum (sepiolite) is used to make the dabqaad, with the district ofEl Buur serving as a center forquarrying. El Buur is also the place of origin of the local pipe-making industry. The ancient Egyptian pharaohHatshepsut was very fond of the incense when she went on her expedition to the ancientLand of Punt.[1]
Somalis living in the West often obtain their dabqaads from theHorn of Africa, in person or through relatives.