Booking a magical glimpse inside Etnia Nativa is easy
Article by Etnia Nativa call us 592 2702 and book your experience!
Our narratives always emphasized the necessary balance that must prevail in all that we do and tolerate, especially on a small island like Aruba. For many generations, our island used to experience an easy-going colonial existence with its own tribal blend. However, the neglect of our cultural heritage and the hazardous incursion against insular biodiversity has reached alarming levels.
The menace of rampant economic development and overpopulation encroachments is a major challenge to natural habitats and sacred lands.
Our platform actively engages in safeguarding the value of rediscovering native traditions that the unique spirit behind being an Aruban is all about, diving into our history and identity, highlighting the importance of moving on beyond all opposition.
In this new episode, we invite you to discover a classic and historically important tropical wood variety, an evergreen species locally known as Wayaca, classified as Guaiacum officinale, at one time valued for its medicinal properties while industrially famous for having self-lubricating qualities. It is one of the heaviest wood types on the market: Wayaca, known also as Palo Santo, Roughbark, Lignum-vitae, Guaiacwood or Gaiacwood, is one of some wood types that do not float in water.
When the Europeans arrived in the Caribbean islands, the Wayaca wood caught their attention since its bark simulated human skin in an advanced stage of syphilis, a disease that was ravaging Europe at the time. The Dutch name is Pokhout, derived from its medical use against Spanish pox, a name indicating syphilis. This has also given rise to the English name lignum vitae (from Latin “wood of life”). Its medical use continued for centuries.
From Dutch seafaring experts, we know that Wayaca wood became the best material for safety nails, pulleys, blocks and in many moving parts in the famous Dutch windmills. Another historically important application was in the construction of John Harrison’s clocks, models for use on ships. Later, it was used on luxury furniture and small objects that require a strong and durable type of wood, such for example a mortar. The Wayaca tree is dark green-brown to black, sometimes with yellow stripes. The sapwood is yellow, usually has a very strong interlaced grain and is extremely resistant to cracking.
We must bear in mind that in Spanish-speaking countries the name Palo Santo (Holy Wood) is also used to call other types of trees that have nothing to do with our Wayaca. Scientifically known as Bursera graveolens with characteristics similar to Wayaca, it is a species of plant from the Burseraceae family that grows in dry forests in much of tropical America. Our Wayaca (Guaiacum officinale) is found in tropical parts of North and South America but not in Brazil. While different varieties such as Guaiacum sanctum are native only to certain tropical parts of North and South America, generally around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean islands, other varieties such as Guaiacum coulteri are known further north.
All species of guaiacum may only be exported (legally) with a permit. In certain countries, the import of Palo Santo or Wayaca is prohibited and only permitted if it is already an object made out of wood. The consequences of this prohibition, which is difficult to enforce, are reflected in an ever-decreasing supply of wood. Since Palo Santo has always been scarce, there has always been a search for wood species that could replace it. In terms of lubricating properties and wear resistance, Wayaca is practically unique.
If you enjoyed reading our stories and are interested in learning more regarding the true Aruban identity, we recommend you not wait until the last days on the island to book a visit to Etnia Nativa—the only “living museum of its kind in the Caribbean”. Fascinate yourself with this trend-setting experience. We have been here since 1994, co-founders of Aruba National Park, Archaeological Museum Aruba and board members of many Artisan Foundations. Etnia Nativa shares value, knowledge and connects you to the ancient island’s spiritual soul.
Whats App +297 592 2702 etnianativa03@gmail.com
