The Pernambuco Crisis

Pernambuco is a wood native to Brazil. It's been used for nearly 300 years to make violin, viola, 'cello, and double bass bows. Other materials are used such as lesser woods or even fiberglass but no bow is finer than a Pernambuco bow - it is essential to the string player's art.

Unfortunately due to massive deforestation in Brazil , the Brazilwood tree from which this wood comes, is nearly extinct in most parts of that country and is designated as Endangered by the World Conservation Union. Some estimate that we have only about 30 yrs left of fine bowmaking if current consumption and deforestation continues.

But musicians, bow-makers and other concerned people are also working to manage consumption and finance replanting.

To learn more about Pernambuco and more importantly help preserve this precious wood by donating money, visit these sites:
http://www.ipci-usa.org/index.html
http://www.ipci-comurnat.org/