Thuya wood is an exotic wood, found only in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Prized for it's grain and rich colours, from a rich golden brown to nearly black, the 'burl' wood or root of the tree, resembles a burr walnut or birds eye maple. Used since the days of Solomon and David, when it was called Thyine wood, Thuya is one of the few woods mentioned in the Bible, being referenced by John in the Book of Revelation.
In modern times, Thuya wood has become synonymous with wealth, in fact it was the first "burled" wood to be selected for use on the dashboard consoles of the Rolls Royce car. The fact that the trees only grow in Morocco and nowhere else in the world, has made the wood exclusive and increased the global demand for Thuya.
Traditionally the skills necessary to craft Thuya wood are passed down through the family. Fathers still teach their sons how to select and harvest specimens of the high quality wood, as well as the process of measuring and cutting the wood into a variety of shapes and sizes.
Thuya products often have elaborate forms and detailed inlays which take days to weeks to complete. Each piece must be carefully polished with a blend of lemon and vegetable oils, in a process that often takes as long as the actual construction. Hundreds of passes with the polishing oil must be made to enrich the various deep burls and highlight the complexity and beauty inherent in the wood.
The Thuya industry is an important facet of the Moroccan economy. It is protected and strictly regulated by the local government.
The beautiful Thuya wood boxes, chess sets and decorative pieces sold by Caravanserai Trading Company, have been personally selected from woodworking co-operatives in Essaouira, the centre of wood carving in Morocco.
Essaouira, is a port city on Morocco's Atlantic Coast, with a rich and diverse history. The Phoenicians first established a trading post there in the 7th century BC followed by the Romans. In 1506 the Portuguese built a fortress there and used it as a base for their maritime trade and named the city "Mogador." In 1765 Moroccan Sultan Mohammed III recaptured the city from the Portuguese and renamed it "Essaouira," meaning the "well-designed" in Arabic.
During the French protectorate in Morocco 1912-1956, Essaouira underwent major redevelopment. Today thrives as a centre of Thuya wood, a tourist destination known for its architectural and cultural heritage, it's beautiful beaches and Art scene. Today Essaouira is also renowned as the "Wind Surfing" capitol of the world.
Enjoy your unique Thuya wood piece, handcrafted in Morocco.