by Mark
Sometimes the art of perfumery is compared to other art forms, such as music; the metaphor of a fragrance's notes is the most common example. But whereas in music, an emotion can be easily conveyed without the use of lyrics, sometimes it is a surprise to find out what a perfumer's intentions were, once one has formed one's own impressions.
On first spraying on Timbuktu, I immediately imagine wisps of incense issuing from a small temple in a desolate place, carried on a cold wind along with dust, spices and a trace of vegetable matter. A dry and mournful fragrance, though beautiful in its asceticism.
After some time on the skin, a slightly moist and sweet fruity accord manifests itself underneath, but very quietly; the dry incense, dust and spices remain prominent.
Over time, the papery dust blows away, gradually replaced by a resinous balsamic accord of benzoin mixed with a little patchouli, vetiver and myrrh. The drydown is muted; the base notes whisper, their voices are one voice.
As it turns out, Timbuktu was inspired by the West African fragrancing ritual of wusulan, a practice handed down from mother to daughter, the purpose of which is to seduce and secure one's lover. This inspiration seems antithetical to the cold, lonely asceticism this writer perceived. But it doesn't really matter; no matter what this song is about, it is some complex, ethereal and beautifully composed music.
On first spraying on Timbuktu, I immediately imagine wisps of incense issuing from a small temple in a desolate place, carried on a cold wind along with dust, spices and a trace of vegetable matter. A dry and mournful fragrance, though beautiful in its asceticism.
After some time on the skin, a slightly moist and sweet fruity accord manifests itself underneath, but very quietly; the dry incense, dust and spices remain prominent.
Over time, the papery dust blows away, gradually replaced by a resinous balsamic accord of benzoin mixed with a little patchouli, vetiver and myrrh. The drydown is muted; the base notes whisper, their voices are one voice.
As it turns out, Timbuktu was inspired by the West African fragrancing ritual of wusulan, a practice handed down from mother to daughter, the purpose of which is to seduce and secure one's lover. This inspiration seems antithetical to the cold, lonely asceticism this writer perceived. But it doesn't really matter; no matter what this song is about, it is some complex, ethereal and beautifully composed music.
Perfumer: Bertrand Duchaufour
Year: 2004
Notes: green mango, pink pepper berries, cardamom, karo karounde flower, incense, papyrus wood, balms and spices, patchouli, myrrh, benzoin and vetiver.
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