The Olive Tree - Holy Land

The olive tree is native to the Holy Land where it has been cultivated since ancient times. According to historians, the first olive groves took root in the Holy Land and along the coast of the eastern Mediterranean around 4,000 B.C.

he olive tree is a slow growing tree which fills during the first 7 years of it's life. It is especially productive thought out her life. Growing to heig

hts ranging from 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 meters),

Reaching the age of 200 the trunk disappears, shoots develop at the base of the trunk which eventually grow into a new tree, hence the reputation as the immortal tree.

Between April and June a multitude of small, white perfumed flowersappear in groups under the preceding year's leaves. They only last a few weeks. One olive is born for about 20 flowers. Normally the first flowering only takes place after about 8 years.

Olive trees are indigenous to the Holy Land and are treasured because the oil from their fruit has been used for religious rites since biblical times. The olive wood used in these beautiful products is of the highest quality and is distinctive for its dark lines. The olive tree is a protected species in Holy Land and cannot be cut down. Once every two years the trees are pruned so that they bear fruit and it is from these pruning’s that these handcrafted pieces are made. The pruning’s are stored for almost 5 years until they are dry enough to carve, before they are used by the craftsmen for these exquisite pieces. Olive wood items make perfect gifts. Not only are they imbued with spirituality, they also do not require much care since oil is naturally protecting them from corrosion and changes of color.

All the olive wood figurines and arts that we produce are hand carved from the trimmings (pruning) of the olive trees, which is an essential process for a healthier growth for the trees and to generate environmental stability. So no tree is damaged or destroyed in the process

After the olive tree is trimmed its branches are kept for a long period inside dark places. Dark places are ideal to dry the olive wood because the temperatures of the place stays the same year round and there is no moisture or humidity so the wood dry without splitting or cracking and becomes dry and ideal for carving.

You can estimate the age of a particular piece by examining its grain. Very old trees have a dark grain while younger trees exhibit a lighter color.

The dark lines inside this olive wood trunk tell how old the tree is the more lines the wood have the older the tree. The dark grain inside the trunk of the olive wood olive wood trunks is called the heart of the wood or the jewels and they are what olive wood carvers and their customers look for.

Holy Land olive trees are also called the Roman trees. They get this name because they have been living in the Holy Land and bearing fruits since the time of the Romans and Jesus time.

Holy Land olive wood is heavy, dense and durable with a distinctive red pigment in its grain. All carvings made of this hard wood have a varying and smooth grain, making every piece extraordinarily unique. It is very difficult to match the grain of two pieces since the pattern is completely hidden in the heart of the wood. The artistically smooth and elegant grain of the olive wood renders it one of the most beautiful in the world and olive wood carvings will easily last a life time and be enjoyed by generations to come.

Once carved, the wood is sanded and coated with a special varnish to protect it and highlight the texture of the grain. There is no need for oiling or further treatment of any kind since olive oil inside the wood is naturally protecting the wood from corrosions. Since olive is one of the hardest woods on earth, carvings will easily last a life time and be admired by generations to come. As it ages, it will become darker and even more beautiful. Cleaning the live wood art pieces is done only with a lightly wet cloth and no further materials are required.