Tagua Nut Nativity Scene from Ecuador

A mini nativity scene from Ecuador carved from a tagua nut, also called vegetable ivory. Tagua nuts are harvested and skillfully hand carved into this fair trade nativity scene. The exterior of the nut provides contrast to the ivory colored nut inside, and part of the nut is dyed red for the top of the stable. 

Also known as vegetable ivory, tagua is produced by a palm-like tree in South America. The nuts fall to the ground when mature, thus harvesting does not damage the trees. Tagua nut's grain is close and very hard, resembling the finest ivory. Artisans carve each nut individually into the desired form. Cultural tradition and forest preservation combine in the use of this renewable resource. As these are all hand carved from sustainable Tagua nuts, there is typically some variance in the size and shape but they are mostly 1.5 inches tall. Fair trade from Ecuador. 

This Nativity scene was acquired through a Fair Trade organization. Fair Trade pays impoverished artisans a fair price for their work. Fair Trade puts people first, not profits.

See more nativity scenes from Ecuador  or visit our Unique Nativity collection for more amazing nativities from Around the World!