Skillfully carved by Wounaan artisans from Panama, this figurine displays intricate, lifelike detail measuring 2 inches tall and 3 inches wide. This exceptional lizard is hand-carved from the tagua nut. Tagua (“ta-gwa”) also called ivory nut or vegetable ivory is the seed of several kinds of palms that grow in tropical rainforests. The artisan personally signs each piece guaranteeing its authenticity. The Wounaan and Embera Peoples are master artisans whose comarcas (reserved lands) are in the eastern region of Panama near the border with Columbia. Unlike products made from animal ivory, tagua products help conserve rare and endangered species by providing an incentive to protect rainforest habitat. By producing a sustainable income from the intact rainforest, tagua carvers can provide stability for their families and an alternative to rainforest destruction.