Wounaan

Tagua is a seed from a palm tree scientifically called “Phytelephas Aequatorialis” – an elephant plant – a native species which grows wild in the Amazonian and northwestern rainforests of South America. This natural product is widely used and known as “vegetable ivory” due to its colour and hardness.

The nuts are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainable. They are harvested without harming the trees which result in protecting the rainforest and its animals.

Tagua has been used by the Emberá and Wounaan for making crafts, which embody different representations of animals and plants in nature. The carvings are handmade; they do not use any type of machinery for the manufacture of handcrafts. In fact, tagua has helped the preservation of elephants since it has been a replacement of ivory tusks.