I didn’t even know Pink Ivory existed until I found myself with an opportunity to carve this glorious small-size Comfort Bird. Pink Ivory is one of the rarest and most distinctive hardwoods in the world, native primarily to southern Africa, especially Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. Its remarkable pink to deep rose-red color is entirely natural, caused by pigments concentrated in the heartwood.
Historically, pink ivory held deep cultural significance. Among the Zulu, it was reserved for royalty and chiefs, earning its reputation as the wood of kings. Its use was tightly controlled, and ownership symbolized honor, authority, and status.
From a woodworking perspective, pink ivory is exceptionally dense, fine-grained, and strong. It polishes to a glass-smooth finish, making it ideal for small, meaningful objects meant to be handled and treasured. Because the trees grow slowly and are carefully protected today, pink ivory remains scarce, adding to both its beauty and its sense of reverence.
I consider it a privilege to work with woods such as Pink Ivory and African Blackwood, which are some of the most highly prized woods in the world.