(#TNE-SQU-246-B)  Beautifully hand crafted tagua nut carving of a STURDY KEY CHAIN of a Squirel with nut carved into tagua nut base measures 1-7/16" long x 1-3/16" wide x 1" tall. 

A TAGUA NUT is a seed that comes from the Tagua palm tree (also called ivory nut palm) (Phytelephas Aequatorialis) in Ecuador, South America.  The pure cellulose, milky substance inside is edible in liquid or semi-liquid (jello-like) form by people and animals.  But once it solidifies in the sun for several months, it is then as hard as ivory (takes a hacksaw to cut) and can be carved.  Each fruit pod, covered in a horned husk, the size of grapefruit or melon, contains 4 or more seeds (or nuts) about the size of a hen's egg.  Natives that raise these trees do not cut down the rain forests anymore because these trees are now a source of income.   These nuts are hand carved and accented with inlaid wood, tagua shell powder, coconut powder and coconut shell.  The caramel colored pieces have been briefly deep fried to achieve this color.  Often a small spot of brown nut is left on an otherwise all white carving so it is not mistaken for elephant tusk by customs officials.  A creative use for a natural item (elephant friendly!) we are pleased to add to our collection of Weird Gifts!