LITTLE BEAUTIES FROM THE PAST

 

I have been collecting these little sewing beauties

for some time now.

They are not easy to find, and the ones I own are

from around 1875 to 1910.

They go by the name of vegetable ivory or pierced ivory.

 

What makes me happy is the fact, that no elephant had

to give his life for these sweet sewing  trinkets.

 

These are made from the seed of a palm named

Phytelepas aequatorialis, or in short "elephant plant".

There are many other species of Phytelepas.

 

Most come from South America, but also come from

many other countries.

The seeds hardness is very similar to real ivory.

I love the beautiful detailing in these small wonders,

and am always on the look-out for others to add to

my collection.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

I believe, that there was a thimble made from vegetable ivory

belonging to this acorn at one time,

 and it got replaced with this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one still has it's original thimble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am not sure if at one time this held a tape measure.

It is most likely.

 

 

Every time I look at these small beauties,

I am amazed at the craftsmanship and imagination

of the artists who made these tiny

treasures so long ago.

 

I feel blessed to own them and hope to pass them on

to the next generation.

 

God bless,

Evi