About Ironwood Sculptures

This desert ironwood grows only in the washes and valleys of the Sonoran Desert below 2,500 foot elevation' The Sonoran Desert is located in southwestern Arizona, southern California, northwest Mexico and Baja California.

The wood of the desert ironwood is very hard and dense. It actually sinks in water. It originally was used by the Seri Native Americans of Mexico for tool handles, hooks and spears. The Seri Indians advanced the art form of carvings to desert plants and animals for tourists visiting the area. Today, that tradition is carried on by native artists in the region with the skills bring passed down through the generations.  Tradition has it that carvings made from the desert ironwood bring good fortune and long life. Good quality carvings are very much in  demand, especially large carvings.

The figures are made with crude tools. Machetes or large butcher knives are used to chop the basic outline out of a block of wood. The form is further refined with a large file or rasp. Hacksaws make necessary deep slits. Finally, sandpaper smooths the piece and it is turned over to the women and children to be rubbed with rags soaked in lard, kerosene, or whatever will put a shine on it. Breaks are patched with resin.

Talented artisans have carved these pieces for you, each with varying shape, color and grain, making each piece unique. There may be natural imperfections in the wood, which also adds to the unique character of each piece.

Only dead ironwood is gathered for carving. The green trees are protected in the US, and collection is strictly limited in Mexico. Due to the slow growth of the trees and the  difficulty of carving the  wood, these sculptures are much in demand.  Muenda obtains the Ironwood from  families  in Mexico. The carvers are paid a fair price for the beautiful work that they do and are treated with respect and dignity.