Thuya Burl Turning Squares

Tetraclinis articulata

These seeds are from a palm tree found mostly in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru. They are commonly known as vegetable ivory or ivory nuts and are used as a substitute for elephant ivory in carvings and turnings. They are used for beads, buttons, carvings, and small turned vessels and boxes. Because the seed, as it hardens, can develop a small fissure or cavity in its center, it is necessary to incorporate this defect into the design. The seeds can be polished to a glass smooth finish. They have an oblong shape and are approximately 1 3/8-2 inches long.

Item Number: W42043