In MS 15, Homescapes, we explore the idea of home through movement and action. In a time when the concept of home is increasingly questioned, we seek to understand its true essence. By utilising archival film materials, we investigate the histories of places through movement, objects, and the desire to uncover personal narratives, challenging traditional ideas of belonging. Home is often internalised, as Anne Marie Fortier discusses in Re-Membering Places, but it is also externalised through embodied actions everyday practices that shape how we inhabit a place.

In this project, I will use Palo Santo, an item that has become a part of my daily routine, to explore the concept of home and the intricacies of cultural distinction. Palo Santo has evolved into more than just a calming aid; it is an essential component in my attempt for inner peace and serenity. Every time I light it, I cleanse myself of negative energy and improve my sense of security and identity. This technique serves as both a mental cleaning and a physical relaxation. Palo Santo has become a fashion statement or a display for many, but it is extremely important to me. My admiration for it increased as I learned more about its origins and cultural significance.

Palo Santo, which means holy wood in Spanish, is derived from the Bursera graveolens tree, which is native to Peru and Ecuador. This little, aromatic wood has a rich cultural and spiritual history, especially in Indigenous South American traditions, where it has been utilised in ceremonial ceremonies for generations to purge negativity, offer protection, and promote peacefulness. However, its current commercialisation raises serious concerns regarding sustainability, cultural appropriation, and the loss of its original sacred meaning.

The short video opens in the bustling chaos of Oxford Circus, a crossroads of cultures and one of London’s most iconic yet impersonal spaces. I chose this location for its representation of cultural disconnect, a place teeming with tourists and people from every walk of life, yet lacking a true sense of belonging. As I enter the frame and light the Palo Santo, a transformation begins. The background noise fades, the chaos dissolves, and I find a sense of calm and grounding. This act symbolises a moment of reconnection, as the scene transitions to a serene forest, the natural home of Palo Santo. The change in the environment reflects the transformation I feel inside, as the peacefulness and simplicity of nature bring forth a strong sense of home and connection. At the same time, the video critiques how Palo Santo is often exploited in contemporary culture, reduced to a short-lived trend. To emphasise this, the video closes with a shot of someone taking a photograph of Palo Santo and posting it on Instagram, highlighting how its sacred meaning is frequently overshadowed by superficial consumption.

Areas of Critique Cultural Appropriation and Overconsumption Palo Santo is a sacred tree that indigenous South American peoples have used for decades for spiritual cleansing, healing, and ritual purposes. However, this sacred object has soon transformed into a commodified fashion item. Palo Santo is currently widely seen as merely a cosmetic feature in social media posts or a trendy meditation accessory. This separation from its native setting not only results in the loss of cultural relevance, but it also causes considerable environmental damage. Traditionally, only the naturally fallen branches of the Palo Santo tree were collected and carefully used for rituals throughout time. This method maintained sustainability and demonstrated an enormous respect for trees. In contrast, modern Palo Santo consumption, disconnected from its traditional setting, has resulted in unnecessary overuse. A single Palo Santo stick, which could have lasted weeks, is now rapidly consumed for a few photos or a social media posting.

This needless use leads to increased Palo Santo production, which results in more trees being cut down. Given the trees' extensive growth phase and contributions to the environment, this results in an unsustainable cycle. Furthermore, this superficial use disrespects indigenous peoples' traditional history by transforming a sacred thing into a commercial product.

If Palo Santo were only utilised for the purpose it was created for, consumption would fall significantly, and environmental damage would be avoided. Furthermore, maintaining its historic surroundings will help to conserve its spiritual significance and allow the proper continuance of this cultural heritage.