Takahe - the flightless bird

This Takahe cremation urn is handcrafted from the rich mahogany tree. The name mahogany emanated form the island of Jamaica after the English occupation in 1655. Members of the Nigerian Yoruba tribe brought to Jamaica as slaves who were familiar with the name for African Mahogany "(aganwo" (meaning "King of the Timber") would logically have used the expression "M'Oganwo" for a Jamaican tree which closely resembled the trees of their Nigerian homeland. After variable usage the name "Mahogany" finally emerged in 1700. The origins of the two main species from Central and South America are a source of interest. There are no mahogany forests. The tree is scattered here and there and a good "stand" might be an average of two trees to the acre. The tree is a light to deep red/brown straight to interlocked coarse to medium cross grain and a heavy timber. Common fault associated with mahogany is shakes which is rarely visible until the timber has been dressed. The nameplate provided can be stuck on the top of the urn or on the side.