Vegetable Ivory

Otherwise known as ‘vegetable ivory’, the tagua seed (pronounced tah-gwa) grows on palm trees that are native to the tropical regions of South America. The makers we work with are based in Tarapoto, a mountainous jungle area in Peru. It is also known as The City of Palms.

The palms can grow up to 40 feet tall and live up to an incredible 180 years! After about 10 years they bear fruit the form of tagua seed. These seeds can range from the size of cherries up to the size of grapefruits. Each tree can bear around 15-20kg of seeds each year. 

Naturally, the seeds colour and texture resembles that of the finest ivory, and the centre has a sweet milky liquid that is edible before it ripens. When the seeds mature, they fall to ground and are collected. After 4-8 weeks of drying them out they have hardened and are ready for crafts!

Tagua production is fully sustainable and environmentally friendly - the harvest is natural preventing harm to the trees, and due to the jewellery’s popularity, it encourages the planting of more palms. The use of this ‘vegetable ivory’ also helps to prevent the cruel elephant ivory trade.

Making The Jewellery

Each piece is selected based on its suitability for various cuts, whether it be for a thick slice or for a smaller, more delicate bead. Once cleaned, the tagua is wetted and put through a polishing machine to ensure a super smooth finish and to prevent any heat damage. Using this machine, the seeds can be shaped into any form of bead - chips, slices, sticks. 

To ensure an even and long-lasting colour the beads are then boiled using fabric dyes. The colours produced are so beautiful and vibrant! The last step is to dry them off and give one last polish - this enhances the natural shine and makes them oh-so-tactile.

The beads can be combined in all sorts of designs - the possibilities are endless! We at Siesta have chosen a variety of 'stick', 'chip' and 'slice' designs for our earrings and necklaces, all in a lovely assortment of colours which allows you to easily mix and match to your hearts content!

Freedom for the Artisans

One particular group of artisans that we work with has been taught by a dedicated young woman who travels to various communities in the jungle areas.  Many of the group are mothers who have learnt the beauty of working with tagua seeds, and some have transformed their homes into hives of creativity!