Dalbergia melanoxylon

#71 is 3” tall and 2” in diameter, #72 is 2.5” tall and 2” in diameter.

A currently embargoed species, African Blackwood has been on the verge of extinction for the past couple of decades. These tiny forms were from pieces harvested almost 50 years ago before it became a protected tree. This species can only be acquired in very small pieces and at very high cost due to its limited availability. I love these little shapes showing the stark contrast between the lighter colored sapwood and the darker colored heartwood. Fun fact, these pieces actually smell like black licorice when turning them on the lathe.