In
the 1920s over 20% of the buttons produced in the US were made of tagua, imported
into the US from South America.
Care
of tagua includes not getting it wet such as in a shower or swimming pool. Every
year or so, buffing with beeswax will enhance is natural shine.
The
indigenous people of South America use Tagua to represent the feminine because
of its great magnet-like romantic energy. Each member of the tribe was given a
tagua pendant to wear around his or her neck. The natives believed that persons
wearing tagua would live in harmony and always be loved by their family and friends.
Using
Tagua Nuts for carving is ecologically sound. It is a excellent substitute for
illegal elephant ivory so prevents elephants from being killed for the ivory in
their tusks. And its economic viability provides an alternative to cutting down
rainforests for farming. Tagua Palm stands are a valuable sustainable, renewable
resource not only for the tagua ivory but as a source of food and construction
wood. The nuts are harvested from the ground without any harm to the tree.