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| Hani Al-Zougbi, Olivewood Carver |
For centuries, Palestinian artisans near Bethlehem have been producing religious items made of olive wood in family-owned workshops. Shepherd’s Field is a second-generation family business that for over 40 years has been committed to the art of olive wood and mother-of-pearl carving, working with some of the finest carvers in the area. The tradition of olive wood carving has deep roots in the Bethlehem region, and the olive tree and all that comes from it are an important part of the cultural identity of the people.
Olive wood is readily available in the region, coming from pruned branches of young olive trees and trunks of old, unproductive trees. The lighter, softer wood (which is easier to carve) comes from irrigated trees growing in orchards on the plains; the harder wood with the beautiful grain comes from trees growing on the mountainsides which only receive rainfall in the winter months.
We have been purchasing crafts from Shepherd’s Field since the 1960’s, carrying beautiful crosses, nativities, and carvings made of olive wood and mother-of-pearl.
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