These artistic Pepper grinder sculptures have been hand carved from the wood of an "Ironwood" tree, its name in Spanish is Palofierro (Iron stick). It has a beautiful grain and as its name implies, is very dense. Next to the Leadwood of Florida, Ironwood is the heaviest wood native to the United States and Mexico. The trees grow at an altitude of 2,500 feet above sea level in the deserts and coastal regions of Arizona, California, Baja California and Sonora Mexico. This species of Ironwood is "Olneya tesota”; and is the only species of this genus found in the Pacific Southwest. Live ironwood trees are not harvested for carving. Fallen ironwood is collected, after drying for several years to be used by the carvers. The Seri Indians originated this handcraft in 1961. Today the Seri Indians, as well as other talented artisans in northern Sonora, Mexico are masters in creating these beautiful carvings. Talented artisans have carved these pieces for you, each with varying shape, color and grain, making each piece unique. There may be natural imperfections in the wood, which also adds to the unique character of each piece.