Olive wood carving in Palestine facts for kids
Olive wood carving is a very old art form in Palestine. It involves carefully shaping wood from olive trees. This special craft is most popular in the Bethlehem area.
Contents
The Story of Olive Wood Carving
How the Tradition Started
The art of carving olive wood began a long, long time ago, around the 4th century CE. This was when the Byzantine rulers were in charge of the area. It started in Bethlehem, which is still the main city for this craft.
After the Church of the Nativity was built, Greek Orthodox monks taught local people how to carve olive wood. This helped the art grow.
Growing into an Industry
The carving art became a big business in Bethlehem during the 16th and 17th centuries. This was when the Ottomans ruled the land.
Artists from Italy and Franciscan pilgrims visited the area. They taught the local people new carving skills. Since then, families have passed down this tradition from one generation to the next.
Olive Wood Carving Today
Today, olive wood carving is very important for many families in Bethlehem. It helps them earn money. It's the most popular souvenir for tourists, especially Christian pilgrims visiting during Christmas.
Carvers create many beautiful items from olive wood. These include crosses, small boxes, picture frames, and candle holders. They also make rosaries, vases, and special Christmas decorations. Many carvings show scenes of the Holy Family.
The wood comes from olive trees in nearby villages. It also comes from areas like Nablus and Tulkarm.
How Olive Wood Crafts Are Made
The Carving Process
Making an olive wood craft takes a lot of work and many steps. Often, several artists work together on one piece.
First, machines are used to create the basic shape of the item. This step saves time and makes the hardest parts easier.
Next, a skilled artist takes over. They use tools to carve all the small details. This turns the rough shape into a finished piece of art.
Finishing Touches
After carving, the item needs to be sanded until it's smooth. Then, it's polished and covered with olive wax. This wax gives the wood a "natural shine" and helps it last a long time.
Making one item can take up to 45 days, depending on how complex it is. Most professional carvers train for six or seven years to learn their skills.
Why Olive Wood is Special
Olive wood is great for carving because it's easier to work with than other woods. Simple hand tools can be used to carve it accurately.
It also has many natural colors and shades, which makes each piece unique. Olive wood is strong and doesn't decay easily. It also takes well to different finishes.
What is Made from Olive Wood?
The wood from olive trees is used to make many artistic, religious, and useful items. These include cups, crosses, and key chains. You can also find Christian magnets, kitchen items, rosary beads, and flower vases. Wall decorations and tree ornaments are also popular.
See also
- Mother-of-Pearl carving in Bethlehem
- Palestinian handicrafts
