Carved Lignum Vitae (Verawood) on Sandstone Base

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The common name lignum vitae is Latin for “wood of life,” which is derived from the tree’s many medicinal uses. Lignum vitae has been imported into Europe for medical use since 1508, and its use became so highly demanded that “the wood sold for as much as seven gold crowns a pound.”((Record, S. J., & Hess, R. W. (1949). It is also one of the heaviest and hardest woods in the world, and has also been used for propeller shaft bearings on ships. The natural oils provide self-lubrication that gives the wood excellent wear resistance.

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