Snakewood

Snakewood (Piratinera guianensis)

Description

A highly patterned wood obtained from Piratinera guianensis trees that are native to West Indies and northern regions of South America. Snakewood is heavy with a fine uniform texture. Although the grain is straight, the wood has a distinct yellow, dark red, and brown mottled pattern that resembles snakeskin. Snakewood was popluar for veneers in the late 18th century. The durable wood is still used for veneers, walking sticks, and modeling tools.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Piratinera guianensis; letterwood; letter wood; leopard wood; tortoiseshell wood; bois d'amourette (Fr.)

Density	80 ppcf

Authority

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

• F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965

• George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954