The Olive Tree

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that grows in the holy land, It has numerous branches and can survive up to 2000 years. According to the bible, it was the olive branch that Noah’s dove brought back to the ark. Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, Olive tree that still exists today. The olive branch was used in the past to point people such as kings. The manufacture of religious and artistic artifacts from the olive wood of this hoeing has long been tradition among the natives of Bethlehem.

The hand-crafts business has constituted the main source of income for the majority of the indigenous Christian families of Bethlehem. The roots of the Olive wood carving industry started in the 15th century when the Franciscan fathers introduced it to the region. Families have passed this profession down from generation to generation. The trade has continued to grow with the ever increasing numbers of Christian and Moslem pilgrims visiting the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and seeking to bring a momento of their pilgrimage home with them. However, in the last eighteen years the drying income of this business caused by the deteriorating economic conditions coupled with the impact of the 1987 intifadah (uprising) and the Gulf War of 1991, and the current violence caused by the never resolved conflicts in that most holy spot, has led the majority of craftsmen to leave this business in search of more sustainable sources of income. The war-like conditions forced many to flee and immigrate from the Holy Land, while others are still surviving and living the consequences of the current situation. Your visit to our website will directly support towards maintaining the holy sites, non-fleeing the Holy land, and continue to educate the coming generations and to grow their faith.

Bethlehem, Well-known as a place for artists and spiritual power, it is the city where Jesus our savoir was born, it is the birth of Christianity and cradle of peace. Through out the years, Churches in the Holy Land used arts to teach the Bible message to the people. Arts became the people Bible. The olive wood artists' craft began in Bethlehem in the fourth century following the construction of the Nativity Church, The Church was built on the traditional birth place of Jesus. At that time monks taught the craft to the local residents of Bethlehem.

His branches shall spread, and His beauty shall be as the olive tree..."(Hosea 14:6)

The olive tree has been in existence long before the birth of the written language and has historical roots that date back to the beginning of time. The olive tree has inspired artists, who tried to capture the emerald and silver hues of the leaves shimmering against an azure Mediterranean sky or the gnarled and twisted branches that withstand the ages, as many olive trees date back thousands of years. It has been used as a sign of peace and goodwill.

All our olive wood items are handmade from the trimmings of the Holy Land olive trees, which is an essential process for healthy and proper growth of the trees, and to promote environmental sustainability. So no tree is damaged or destroyed in the process.

All carvings made of this hard wood have a varying and smooth grain, making every piece extraordinarily unique. It is almost impossible to match the grain of two pieces since the pattern is completely hidden in the heart of the wood. Holy Land olive wood is heavy, dense and durable with a distinctive red pigment in its grain.

The growth of the olive tree is subtle, its layer upon layer creates a very curved complex grain, making every piece unique.You can estimate the age of a particular piece by examining its grain. Very old trees have a dark grain while younger trees exhibit a lighter color. Once carved, the wood is sanded and coated with a special varnish to protect it and highlight the texture of the grain. There is no need for oiling or further treatment of any kind. Just display it and enjoy its beauty. As it ages, it will become darker and even more beautiful. The artistically smooth and elegant grain of the olive wood renders it one of the most beautiful in the world and olive wood carvings will easily last a lifetime and be enjoyed by generations to come.

Whether it is to decorate a home, to symbolize peace, to treasure a belief, or to enhance a collectible selection, olive wood carvings are the ultimate finishing touches to creativity. We hand craft each treasure individually. With an exclusive hand finish these creations represent our world, our faith and the beauty of our environment. Local predictions are that mother-of-pearl like this one and olive wood sculptures that we produce will soon belong to Bethlehem's history because the work requires intense concentration and highly skilled craftsmanship. Shimmering colors and lace-like carvings may end up only in museums.

We sincerely hope that your visit through our gallery will be a pleasant, enjoyable, and fruitful experience and that our religious and spiritual Items will inspire your faith and offer you a journey of the spirit...and a chance to draw closer to the places where Jesus was born. Proclaimed His message of Love, Justice, and Peace on Earth.