Wood carvings

The Pacific Island Countries comprise of 25 nations and territories spread over more than 25,000 islands and islets of the western and central Pacific Ocean. Reflecting the great cultural diversity in the region, these fragile isolated ecosystem are faced with the challenge to preserve their rich biodiversity by preventing invasive pests and diseases from entering at national borders.

Movement in handicraft has increased dramatically over recent years. Most of these products are traded by producers to consumers either directly, through local markets, small shops and outlets, during events in the community or indirectly through retailers, galleries, museum shops, and other outlets. The movement of handicrafts, if not safeguarded to comply with biosecurity requirements is a huge risk to these fragile communities as a pathway to pest and disease introduction.

Where more than one material is used to make a handicraft (for example, wood carvings that also have seeds as adornments), producers/retailers have to ensure that they meet the biosecurity requirements relating to all materials that have been used to make the item. It is important, therefore, that producers, retailers and other stakeholders know the materials that have been used to make a handicraft.

Where treatment of the material is required, produces/ retailers are to do so locally, if it is available. if not, they should clarify with their buyers overseas who will bear the cost of the treatment in country of destination.

Handicrafts in this manual have been categorised by type of material used such as:

• Feathers
• Hair, Teeth, Bones, Horns
• Skins
• Shells
• Coral
• Conch Shell, Triton’s Trumpet
• Giant Clam
• Giant Helmet Shell
• Green Turtle Shell
• Whale, Dolphin, Porpoise Shell and Bones
• Earth-Based Commodities
• Coconut Products
• Weaving and Thatching Fibres
• Gourds
• Paper Mulberry
• Pacific Bamboo
• Tree Ferns
• Seeds
• Wood