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Large Mahogany Takahe Urns
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.
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