The Olive Wood Craftsmen

Behind every olive wood piece is a story of patience, tradition, and teamwork. From tree to table, each item is shaped through a meticulous process that reflects generations of Tunisian craftsmanship. It’s a rhythm passed down through families—measured not just in years, but in skill, care, and community.

THE ARTISANS

An unfinished olive wood bowl resting beside a raw block of olive wood surrounded by sawdust on the shop floor — early stages of shaping a future wedding gift.

Crafted by Many Hands, Honed by Time

In a workshop tucked between olive groves and sea breezes, Hassan begins the process of transformation. With more than 20 years of experience and a deep respect for the raw material, he and his team of nine skilled craftsmen breathe new life into wood from olive trees that have reached the end of their fruit-bearing years. Each piece they craft tells a story — of tradition, patience, and reverence for nature.

A sunlit storage yard filled with cut, aged olive trees stacked and drying for future carving — natural beginnings of every olive wood bowl and spoon.

The journey begins long before the carving. Aged olive trees, already marked and cut for removal, are carefully selected and transported in large, heavy pieces. These logs — some weighing hundreds of pounds — must rest and dry naturally for nearly a year, stabilizing to prevent cracking and warping. Only after this long wait can the real artistry begin.

From chainsaws and bandsaws to delicate routers and hand-sanding blocks, the process moves from one craftsman’s station to the next — each step a careful ritual. Hassan and his brother Naji work closely alongside others like Mansour, Ahmed, and Bilel, each bringing a distinct skill to the process. Templates ensure consistency, while hours of hand-finishing and oiling reveal the wood’s signature swirling grain and golden warmth.

  • Ahmed and Hassan trimming a large chunk of wood on a band saw in their Tunisian workshop — collaborative work behind handcrafted gifts ideas.
    AHMED AND HASSAN TRIM A PIECE OF OLIVE WOOD WITH A BANDSAW.
  • Karim using a jigsaw to follow a drawn spoon template on an olive wood slab — cutting each olive wood spoon with care and precision.
    KARIM CUTS THE SHAPE DRAWN FROM A TEMPLATE WITH A JIGSAW.
  • Moncef seated at a sander inspecting and smoothing an olive wood spoon cupped in his hand — final touches on a timeless handcrafted gift.
    MONCEF SANDS AND INSPECTS EACH SPOON.

It can take up to nine artisans to complete just one olive wood piece — whether it’s a board, a bowl, a utensil, or a simple spoon. Together, their shared knowledge adds up to over a century of expertise, passed from hand to hand and heart to heart. Every item is not only functional but also carries the soul of a sustainable craft. For every tree removed, another is planted — a quiet promise that this ancient tradition continues to thrive.


Watch the full video of these artisans in the workshop to see the story behind an olive wood spoon come to life. For more handcrafted gift ideas, follow us on Instagram.

WATCH VIDEO