Story perspectives

Perfume's Journey: From Ancient Rituals to Colonial Legacy

12/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Perfume history spans ancient Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, and Europe, initially rooted in ritual burning of aromatic substances.
During the Islamic Golden Age, distillation advanced, with Al-Kindi and Ibn Sina shaping modern perfumery.
European perfumery developed through trade and colonialism, while labor and environmental impacts of sourcing were often overlooked.
Recent branding shifts aim to address these issues, but the legacy of colonialism remains in the industry's structure and narratives.

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Story summary

Perfume history spans ancient Mesopotamia, India, Egypt, and Europe, initially rooted in ritual burning of aromatic substances.
During the Islamic Golden Age, distillation advanced, with Al-Kindi and Ibn Sina shaping modern perfumery.
European perfumery developed through trade and colonialism, while labor and environmental impacts of sourcing were often overlooked.
Recent branding shifts aim to address these issues, but the legacy of colonialism remains in the industry's structure and narratives.