Ebony Wood Carvings
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Ebony wood is an exceptionally hard and beautiful wood found only in the Sahara desert regions of Africa. Its exceptional
density not only makes it very heavy, but also gives it an incomparable sheen when polished. Because of the high value and
heaviness of this wood, only the master carvers of Africa are able to use it for their craft. They use simple hand tools to
produce the works of art. In ancient days, the royalty of Persia and India would travel to West Africa to find ebony
to use for scepters, sculptures and drinking chalices. Even now ebony is considered the most valued and treasured wood to
be found. Ebony normally is brown on the outside of the tree; and black on the inside. The carvings often come as a beautiful
mixture of black and brown; as well as the pure blackwood that is most well known. Each has its own special beauty. Like any
wood, ebony is subject to drying and cracking: especially in dry climates. Your wood pieces should be cared for with occasional polishing with shoe polish
or other moisturizing agents. |
