Fine Hand CarvingLiberty
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Nicaragua – the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes!!! Anyone who has visited Central America knows that it is a tropical paradise. This is even more true of Niquinohomo, the town where our carving shop is located in the volcanic hills outside Masaya.
But for those who live there, it is all too often a land of zero economic opportunity. The people of Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere, have been hit hard by more than a decade of economic stagnation, victims of financial and political forces beyond the scope of this website.
When we started our woodworking shop in 1993, one of our goals (besides making beautiful furniture) was to offer employemnt to local people. From 2 workers and a part-time administrator, our shop has grown to employ 40 Nicaraguan artisans, including skilled wood turners, carpenters, and wood carvers.
Although some of the worst cases of labor exploitation in the world can presently be found in Nicaragua, Liberty Carvings is careful to pay its workers fairly. A skillful worker in our shop can earn 2 to 4 times what they would in the domestic economy. Our shop is clean and safety is continuously emphasized.
Our wood is supplied primarily from Nicaraguan sources. We purchase second-growth mahogany and Spanish cedar which are harvested in accordance with Nicaraguan law. We also use alternative "lesser-utilized" species. We air-dry and kiln-dry our stock to 6-8% moisture, which ensures its stability in a heated or air-conditioned atmosphere.
We are proud of our shop, our workers, and our administrative staff in Nicaragua.
For availability and ordering information, go to the Ordering Page.
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Please contact us with your needs and questions at:
email: william3@finewoodcarving.com
Site updated 30 August 2005