African mahogany

African Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis)

Description

A hardwood tree, Khaya ivorensis, found in western Africa. It resembles true mahogany, but African mahogany is slightly lighter in weight and is more figured. It is widely used for cabinets, musical instruments, veneer, furniture and ship building. Other species of trees are similar and are often sold as African mahogany, such as agba, guarea, sapele, and lingue.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Khaya ivorensis; Mogno africano (Port.); red khaya; red mahogany; dukuma; dubini

African mahogany

Hazards and Safety

Skin contact may cause irritation.

Authority

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 432

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

• Pam Hatchfield, Pollutants in the Museum Environment, Archetype Press, London, 2002