Vegetable ivory - the Beja Botanical Museum photo collection

Abstract

The art made with white heartwood slices obtained from the young branches of the fig tree (Ficus carica L.) is found only in the Azores (Portugal). It probably began in the convents of nuns, during the XVII century, and soon after the secularization of these institutions continued to be done by artisans. This exquisite traditional art produces light and delicate pieces, and it is now kept by few artisans.