Mansa

Mansa Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire in the 13th century. During his reign, Mali was one of the richest kingdoms of Africa, and Mansa Musa was among the richest individuals in the world. During his pilgrimage to Mecca, he built mosques, met with the Sultan of Egypt, and spent so much gold that it caused a 12 year gold inflation.

Spanish cartographers, depicted Mansa Musa in the atlas, sitting on a throne, holding a nugget of gold and a golden staff. Mansa means “king” or “ruler” in Maninka; the family name of the ruler of the Mali Empire. It is the olfactory metaphor of wealth and generosity.

The perfume family: woody, floral, fruity

Top notes: blackberry, pink pepper, orris

Heart notes: rose, cassis, saffron, amber, oud

Base notes: moss, patchouli, heliotrope, musk