Amanda Frayer artisan // illustrator // designer

There are a number of tree species called mahogany, but “true” mahoganies are those in the genus Swietenia, found throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America. Species from Africa in the genus Khaya are also considered mahoganies, because they are distantly related.

Prized originally by European furniture makers, mahogany was targeted shortly after Columbus invaded the New World. The wave of logging that began in the 1500s expanded out and continues to this day. Mahogany is a desirable wood for the backs of acoustic guitars and drums shells. It is also used in construction and ship building. Another factor which contributes to its scarcity is that it doesn’t grow abundantly, even in undisturbed forests. I received this mahogany in an assortment of scrap veneer that would have been discarded. Because it’s reclaimed, you can enjoy the beauty of mahogany without worry that your selection means the devastation of more trees.

Mahogany is the national tree of Belize. The Coat of Arms on their flag is a couple of lumberjacks standing in front of a mahogany tree. The motto “Sub Umbra Floreo” means: Under the shade (of the mahogany tree) I flourish.

Mahogany got its name when slaves from Nigeria were brought to Jamaica. They recognized a tree in Jamaica just like one back home, Khaya sengalensis. For this reason they called it M’Oganwo. Over time the pronunciation changed, and Americans spelled it how they heard it. Thus it became mahogany.

J. K. Rowling has said that if she had a wand, it would be mahogany with a phoenix feather core.

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Believe to bring the wearer: fertility, growth, peace, enhanced intuition, stronger bonds with blood relatives (especially the mother/son relationship)

Other associations: anti-lightening, keeping storms at bay, elemental magic, exploring and achieving clarity of goals, transfiguration

Spirit animal: otter, parrot, toucan