Tagua Nuts
The tagua nut is the seed of a variety of a palm tree that grows mainly in Ecuador. Large sacks grow beneath the leaves containing about 4-9 seeds, the size and shape of a chicken's egg. Inside the seeds is a liquid similar to coconut water which thickens and eventually hardens to a white substance similar to animal ivory.
Tagua nut is considered a viable alternative to elephant ivory. Like ivory, it is very hard, easy to buff and absorbs dyes perfectly. Sometimes artisans leave a little of the dark brown bark so it is recognisable from the forbidden animal ivory.
Seeds are dried in the tropical sun for 1-3 months depending on the water they contain. They are peeled mechanically and classified by size before being made into beads and buttons, intricately carved into such objects as chess pieces and ornaments, or used to make many other items.
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