Olive Wood Triquetra 3 cm

SKU: 24054

£2.00

This art developed and became a major industry in Bethlehem and nearby towns like Beit Sahour in the 16th and 17th centuries. This craft has continued by the descendants of the original local carvers.

The process of producing an olive wood craft requires labour intensity and consists of many stages, Drilling machines are used initially then passed onto a skilled artisan who transforms the rough outline into a finished product by chiseling the details. Finally, the finished item must be sanded down and polished, then coated with olive wax to give the object a “natural shine” and ensure its longevity. The process could take up to 45 days.

1 in stock

Description

Hand made in Beit Sahour by Gloria Enterprise.  Gloria coordinates the sales of olive wood and mother of pearl for 60 carvers working in small workshops. All of the Bethlehem area is isolated by the Separation Wall and nearly surrounded by settlements.  Gloria’s shop showcases work of artisans and encourages cooperation, maintaining the highest quality. Many artisans are in serious debt; although they receive what is considered locally a fair price for their work, like other Palestinian artisans, they have no health insurance or pensions.  The olive wood products are carved from wood that must be dried for at least a year before using.  Traditionally the wood comes from the pruning the trees, ensuring environmental sustainability.  Hadeel commissions new designs and is one of the few customers who pay for orders right away, enabling this group’s work to continue.  We also support “Keep Hope Alive”, an olive tree planting project coordinated in the area by the YMCA.

 

Additional information

Weight0.01 kg