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These beautiful boxes are carved from sacred Thuya Burl tree, an aromatic tropical hardwood native to the Atlas mountains of Morocco. A member of the cedar family, and named by the Greeks from the word "thusia," meaning "sacrifice," the tree is beloved for its highly aromatic oils, once distilled and used as incense in spiritual practice. Some churches still work with thuya oil and resin for sacred ceremonies, and consider it medicinal in nature. Thanks to its high oil content, even the wood alone is powerfully fragrant, said to repel pests, and beloved for its ability to brighten the mood and uplift the spirit. Slightly piney, sharp, and fresh in scent, Thuya Burl is a firm, dense wood with dramatic patterning, spotted knots/eyes, and bright auburn chocolate coloring. No two pieces from a single carving are alike.