TAGUA
Tagua nuts
are seeds produced by the Tagua palm tree in the rainforests of Colombia,
Venezuela and Ecuador. The Tagua tree produces large spiked pods. Each pod
holds several Tagua seeds. When the large pods fall to the ground, they are
harvested from the forest floor. The Tagua nuts inside the pods are then used
to create beautiful artwork, including jewelry.
Because they have a have an ivory-like appearance and can be
carved in similar ways, Tagua nuts have earned the name “vegetable ivory.” Tagua
nuts are organic, eco-friendly and sustainable, providing a source of income to
local communities and artisans.
Tagua are from Equator, Lombards Museum
(Image from Wiki Commons)