Reply To: Rosewood Handles – import/export restriction
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I wish our ancestors had taken more care so that we’d still have access to these woods, even if at higher price and lower volume, but at least reliable supplies. I think the legislation *is* meant to restrict trade of all rosewood (and several other woods) crossing borders, even small amounts. There are antique exceptions, but the item must be over 100 years old (and you may still need paperwork…I didn’t dig deep enough to be sure).
Well, it’s not fair to blame our ancestors. The problem is ours in the making, specifically the Chinese middle class’ demand for rosewood furniture almost to the exclusion of all other. When three billion people yearn for something- anything, you have a problem.
We aren’t talking violin bows, we are talking this:
( see attachment )
And it’s only a few of the Dalbergia that are endangered, it has to emphasized.
Only one. Dalbergia negra or Brazilian rosewood is threatened with extinction, and that’s largely from deforestation for agriculture. Four are appendix two as vulnerable and should be legitimately banned. Three have single nation export holds ( two from Madagascar and one from Nicaragua at those government’s requests) only from single countries and aren’t threatened elsewhere. Thirty something other Dalbergia aren’t in danger at all.
But since customs people aren’t trained, CITES banned them all, supposedly until definitive tests can be found.
Ancestors play no part in the problem.
- This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by Larry Geib.