This species of ironwood is Olneya tesota and it is the only species of this genus found in the Pacific southwest. Green ironwood is not used for the carvings. Figures are made with crude tools. Machetes or large butcherknives 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.
Breaks are patched with resin. Friends are now bringing the craftsmen more sophisticated tools and the work improves. Carvers are being discouraged from using heavy oils and grease. Some workers have been experimenting with waxes and are now allowing the wood to retain its natural color, giving the grain more prominence. Very beautiful work has been done by some of the carvers but as more and more customers appear, a few are inclined to hurry production.