(tb-ins-4-2) tan cicada Tagua NUT figurine and similar items

(#TB-INS-4-2) Beautifully hand crafted tagua nut figurine of a tan cicada bug, average 1-1/2? long x 7/8? tall. hand-made in Bali. A TAGUA NUT is a seed that comes from the Tagua palm tree (also called a 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 very hard. (takes a hacksaw to cut) and can be hand-made. 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 hand-made 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 figurine so it is not mistaken for pachyderm material by customs officials. A creative use for a natural item (pachyderm friendly!) we are pleased to add to our collection of Weird Gifts! WE SHIP WORLDWIDE, see the chart for postage to your country. Click on my Store tag for MANY MORE figurines!