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The Nappi Balata figurines are now on a clearance sale.
Quantities are limited.
You may see a full list of sale prices and
purchase on-line on the Balata Prices page.
Nappi Balata Animal Collections
Nappi Balata Native Village Scenes
Brief History 
The Macushi Indians have a tradition of forest use, sustainably harvesting numerous materials from local
flora for foods, medicines, and fibers. For nearly a century balata latex was their main source of income.
Balata was first harvested commercially in Guyana
in 1863, and was exported for use in manufacture of boots, insulation of
cables, golf balls, and many other applications. For many years, the Macushi
have crafted sculptures, figurines and handicrafts out of balata, but on a
non-commercial basis.
In the 1960s, income from balata products dwindled when the development of synthetic substitutes sent the balata market into decline. As a result, Nappi and other villages in the Kanukus suffered several decades of economic hardship. The crisis drove many villagers to seek more profitable, but unsustainable land uses that put the region's forests at risk. 
The Artistic Process The villagers tap the bulletwood trees for the balata latex, just as maple trees are tapped for their syrup. The milky-white liquid is put into a tub and it forms a 'skin', like pudding forms a skin on the top as it cools. They remove the skin from the tub and hang it to finish drying. 
When the artisan is ready to work, the balata is softened in a pot over boiling water. Dye is added to the mixture. Then they take the amount of balata for the figurine they want to make, and hand-form each figurine. No molds are used. Each piece is a work of art. The animal may have a different pose than the previous one, or hold something different in their paw or mouth. The Nappi Balata figurines are now on a clearance sale. Quantities are limited. You may see a full list of the figurines, and purchase on-line on the Balata Prices page. |
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Your Global Marketplace for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Gifts One World Projects, Inc. Fairly Traded Gifts from Around the World
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Retail Shipping/Handling Charge
1.We usually ship retail orders within 1-3 business days of order placement.
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Dollar Amount |
Shipping Cost |
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$0 - $25.00 | $6.50 | ||||
$25.01 - $75.00 | $8.00 | ||||
$75.01 and up | $10.00 | ||||
In the Savannah just north of
the rain forest-covered Kanuku Mountains of Guyana, the village of Nappi is the
site of a unique business that is helping to save the rich tropical forests of the region.
The indigenous Macushi Amerindians of Nappi design, craft, and sell
small figurines made of a latex known as balata harvested from the bulletwood
tree.
43 Ellicott Ave 