Bird Figurines
Bird Figurines
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US $9.99
Introduction
It's Greek name Phytelephas aequatorialis means Plant Elephant but it is better known by its common name Tagua (tah-gwa). It is a sustainable rainforest product, traditionally used as an ivory substitute mainly for small carvings, buttons and crafts projects.
History
Tagua also known as "vegetable ivory" was discovered in South America in about 1750. Friar, Juan de Santa Getrudis recorded in his writings, natives carving small figurines out of locally grown nuts.
In colonial Europe, Tagua was a sought after commodity, it was used in a number of industries, the most important being the button industry. For years Germany kept the origin of the Tagua nuts secret. It was assumed the nuts came from Africa until the Panama Canal was opened and Tagua imports suddenly increased, the secret was out, Ecuador was the source.
General Information
Tagua "vegetable ivory", when compared to elephant ivory is not as elastic or durable. If placed in water vegetable ivory will temporarily lose hardness, the hardness returns when it dries and is exposed to air. Genuine ivory will not soften in water.
This unique palm grows wild at lower elevations in the dense forests of northern South America, primarily in Ecuador and Columbia, so there is no need to start tagua plantations.
It will take fourteen to fifteen years before a tagua palm begins to produce. Each tree will produce about fifty pounds of nuts yearly, about the equivalent of one elephant tusk. It will keep on bearing fruit for a century to come.
The nuts are pure cellulose but before they are mature the seed cavities have a drinkable liquid similar to coconut milk. As the nut continues to mature the milk congeals into an edible gel. The gel will finally harden into the hard white nut we know as "vegetable ivory".
Ivory substitutes
A process for making celluloid, the first thermoplastic polymer, was discovered in 1870 by John Hyatt. In later years, the products Cellonite, Pyralin and Xylonite were developed as ivory substitutes. Vegetable ivory (Tagua) was also used for buttons and small ornaments.
In the years following World War II, cheap plastics were developed that severely impacted Tagua production.
The worldwide ban on elephant ivory in 1989 has done much to revive the Tagua industry.
Indigenous uses
Just about every bit of the Tagua Palm can be utilized:
Local inhabitants use its timber for their homes, the stalks for their floors, the leaves as roofing material, the cooked stalks for food, the roots medicinally as a diuretic, and the flowers' straw for the manufacture of brooms. It is indeed a versatile palm.
Folklore has it that some tribes considered the tagua nut to be sacred. The indigenous people of the rain forest would give each family member a tagua nut to wear around their neck. They believed that the person wearing it would be protected by the love of both family and friends.
The Tagua Process
The ripe Tagua clusters fall to the ground year round. They are collected and dried from four to eight weeks, during this time the seeds have hardened to its characteristic ivory consistency.
The seeds are removed from the clusters and the outer shells are cracked open to extract the nut.
The nuts are then cleaned and polished with or without its muddy brown skin, depending on demand.
The polished nuts are then sliced, drilled and dyed and are then ready for shipment to the customer.
Tagua Buying tips:
Tagua nuts have a small canal in the center of the nut. Individual nut slices should be sliced so that they are solid; holes in slices indicate that the nut was not dried properly. Properly dried slices should not have cracks or holes.
When wearing dyed Tagua jewelry, be aware that perfumes and other chemicals may cause the colors to run.
Tagua production has created employment for thousands of Ecuadorians, be sure the companies you do business with are certified by one of the fair trade organizations and that they have some means to prove their certification.
If you would like more information about the Tagua Nut and some of the products made from it; click here - http://tagua-theelephantplant.blogspot.com
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Love Bird Figurines and Base $25.5 These charming bird figurines feature lightly sculpted details and silver metal legs adhered to its own stepped base. Larger base features ceramic beading on the edges, as well as two holes for the bird figurines to fit into. Features and facts:Includes two handmade ceramic love birds perched on their own bases, which fit into the round base with beaded edgesLove birds measure 3"" high; base measures 5"" diameter x 1"" high |
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Pack of 6 Light Blue Bird Figurines with Scroll Design Wings $69.99 Blue Bird Figurines with Scroll Design WingsItem #90547The decorative scroll work wings of these birds adds an unique touch to your home decorDimensions: 4.75"H x 5.5"W x 4.75"DMaterial(s): ceramicPack of 6 - includes 2 of each bird shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Pack of 8 Chic Botanical Decorative Bird Figurines with Metal Feet 4.5 $64.99 From the Chic Botanical CollectionItem #42383Inspired by Mother Nature, these figurines showcase a variety of species of birds.Each bird has metal feet.Dimensions: 4.5"HMaterial(s): polyresin/metalPack of 8 - includes 2 of each style shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Pack of 8 Nature's Way Decorative Garden Bird Figurines on Tree Stumps 4.75 $69.99 From the Nature's Way CollectionItem 42381Bring nature inside with these decorative bird figurines standing on faux wooden stumpsDimensions of each figurine: 4.75"HMaterial(s): polyresinPack of 8 figurines - includes 2 of each style shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Club Pack of 12 Modern Lodge Decorative Red and Gray Bird Table Top Figurines 4 $89.99 From the Modern Lodge CollectionItem #29304Charming bird figurines each feature a gray body with a vibrantly contrasting red tail and head Dimensions: 3"H x 4"WMaterial(s): polyresinPack of 12 - includes 4 of each figurine shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Society Of Figurines $12.49 Society Of Figurines |
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Figurines $15.49 The Control Group:40271 |
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Collectible Bird Tabletop Statues $24.99 This set of three bird figurines have been meticulously sculpted of resin and finished with the look of fine porcelain. They range from 5"H to 8"H. |
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Set of 3 Porcelain Angels with Heart, Bird & Stars Christmas Table Top Figurines $54.99 From the Inspirational Gifts CollectionItem #34817Standing angels have delicate woodland inspired detailing on their gownsAngels feature bird, heart or star accentsDimensions: 7.25"HMaterial(s): porcelain Type: Decorations |
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The Bird $10 The Bird |
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Bird $10 Bird |
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Not The Bird $10 Not The Bird |
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Angry Birds: Series 1 Red Bird and White Bird 2 pack Figurines $9.99 Approx. 2 inches. Comes packaged in a blister pack. |
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Figurines of Gospel Singers $24.99 Figurines of Gospel Singers - Photographic Print |
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Swarovski Baby Bird $94.99 "Give the perfect gift with the Swarovski Crystal Baby Bird. Designed by Edith Mair, the Swarovski Crystal Baby Bird measures 2 3/16 x 1 7/16 inches. Fully faceted clear crystal bird with White Opal crystal beak and Jet crystal eyes on matt clear crystal branch; facetted clear crystal flower with Fuchsia crystal centre. Swarovski crystal birds take flight in shimmering lead crystal and silver crystal designs. These beautiful, full lead crystal and silver crystal birds are crafted with a beauty and attention to detail that is a hallmark of Swarovski crystal’s unparalleled craftsmanship. Fine Swarovski crystal figurines are crafted with an attention to detail that has dazzled generations of collectors. Each piece glimmers with an elegant beauty that will make your Swarovski lead crystal and silver crystal figurines treasured family heirlooms. With designs ranging from lifelike birds and animals to Disney characters, Swarovski figurines are guaranteed to charm and delight for years to come. Since its founding in 19th Century Austria, Swarovski crystal has been renowned the world over as the finest silver crystal in the world. Swarovski silver crystal products show a remarkable craftsmanship and quality, demonstrating the finest that Austrian Crystal has to offer. See for yourself why Swarovsky crystal figurines, ornaments and collectibles have been dazzling collectors for generations." |
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Hummel Figurines An Emergency 152489 $239.4 Size 5.75". Hummel Figurines An Emergency 152489. |
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Collection of Meissen Porcelain Figurines $49.99 Collection of Meissen Porcelain Figurines - Giclee Print |
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Disney: Villains Figurines Box Set $9.99 Disney: Villains Figurines Box Set |
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Pack of 8 Inspirational Bluebird of Happiness Spring Figurines 3.75 $59.99 From the Inspirational Gifts CollectionItem #62018Each bluebird features a clear body with a blue tail and is perched upon a twig branchLegend has it that the bluebird carries happiness, prosperity and good healthDimensions: 2.5"H x 3.75"W x 2"DMaterial(s): acrylicPack includes 8 of the bird shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Two Frog Miniature Figurines 5.0x2.0x2.0 $14.95 Two Frog miniature figurines |
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Two Dragon Miniature Figurines 5.0x2.5 $15.95 Two dragon miniature figurines |
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Pirates Treasure Figurines Dozen $6.99 Create your own high seas adventure with these Pirate Figurines. The 2 1/2 inch high plastic Pirate Figurines come in an assortment of styles. Figurines are perfect for your pirate themed party. |
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Pack of 2 Seraphim Classics White Memorial Angel Holding Bird Figurines #71461 $79.99 From the Seraphim Classics CollectionItem #71461Serene white angels are depicted kneeling and holding a small delicate doveEach comes gift boxed and includes a certificate of authenticity Dimensions: 5.75"H x 5.75"W x 4.75"DMaterial(s): resin/stone mixPack includes 2 of the figurine shown Type: Decorations |
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Pack of 12 Nature's Way Multi-Colored Decorative Garden Bird Figurines 4.75 $99.99 From the Nature's Way CollectionItem #38444These birds are wonderful decoration in either a living space as daily affirmation or as decoration in a gardenRecommended for indoor or outdoor useDimensions: 4.75"H Material(s): polyresinPack of 12 - includes 2 of each style shown Type: Statues and Sculptures |
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Selling Clay Figurines $49.99 Chen Lian Xing Selling Clay Figurines - Giclee Print |
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Pack of 6 Winter Solace Snowy Christmas Birds on Nuts Figurines 7.5 $69.99 From the Winter Solace CollectionItem #45251These peaceful birds are the perfect accent for your holiday decor or for anytimeEach bird sits on a different nut (acorn, pine cone, and chestnut)Dimensions: 7.5" HMaterial(s): resinPack of 6 - includes 2 of each ornament shown Type: Decorations Color: White |
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Ceramic Dog Figurines Set of Three $9.95 Hand painted ceramic dog figurines. Set of three. |
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Birdscapes Squirrel-Be-Gone Wild Bird Feeder $33.99 The anti squirrel technology of this squirrel proof birdfeeder makes this one of the best on the market. Birds eat from 8 ports. Includes FREE 23 inch metal hook. The Birdscapes Squirrel Be Gone Wild Bird Feeder features 8 U-shaped perches, 8 feeding ports and a 6 lb. seed capacity. The interior seed tower is surrounded by metalwork. The clear, shatter proof plastic reservoir makes it easy to monitor seed levels. |
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Close-Up of Figurines with a Snow Globe $24.99 Close-Up of Figurines with a Snow Globe - Photographic Print |
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Astronaut Figurines Standing White Computer $29.99 Astronaut Figurines Standing White Computer - Photographic Print |
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Astronaut Figurines Walking Towards Rocket $29.99 Astronaut Figurines Walking Towards Rocket - Photographic Print |
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Laurel and Hardy's Figurines in a Snow Globe $24.99 Laurel and Hardy's Figurines in a Snow Globe - Photographic Print |