Is It Really Coffee Wood? How Authenticity Works Here
A fair question for any buyer. Here is how we approach it, and what we can and cannot prove.
We cannot hand you a laboratory report. We can show you where each root came from.
Summary
- Authenticity rests on provenance: the roots come from old coffee trees dug on our finca or nearby farms.
- Each piece has a serial number and a verification page.
- We are honest that we do not offer independent laboratory certification.
Key takeaways
- Provenance and documentation build trust.
- Honest limits are part of authenticity.
- Questions from buyers are welcome.
Anyone paying a serious price for an unusual object is entitled to ask: is it really what you say it is? Here is our answer, in plain terms.
What we claim
We claim that our pieces are made from root balls of old coffee trees. The farmers tell us these trees are over a hundred years old. The roots are dug from our own finca or from nearby farms that are clearing old trees.
We claim that each piece is turned from a single root, finished by hand, and recorded with a serial number.
How we back it up
Provenance is our main form of proof. We know where the trees stood, because we or our crew dug them out. We saw the roots come out of the ground. We have followed them through drying, turning, and finishing. We can tell you the story of each.
Each piece is also recorded with a serial number. You can look it up on the Verify page, where an authentication certificate confirms the piece's identity. See Serial Numbers and the Verify Page.
What we do not claim
We do not claim to have independent laboratory certification of the wood species or the age of each root. We are not in a position to provide one at present. We do not state exact ages, because we cannot prove them. We rely on the knowledge of the farmers who have known these trees for most of their lives.
We think it is better to be clear about this than to imply a level of verification that does not exist.
Why we are comfortable
The strongest evidence is direct. We are not buying wood from a broker. We watched these trees come out of the ground. The appearance of the wood, its density, and its pattern are consistent with what we know of old coffee roots.
If a buyer wants more information, we are glad to explain how a specific piece was sourced.
If you want to be certain
For a buyer who wants further assurance, there are options. You can ask us for details on a particular piece. You can speak with a wood specialist. You can examine the piece yourself.
We welcome scrutiny. A claim that cannot be questioned is not worth much.
The broader point
Authenticity is not only about proof. It is also about relationship, and about a maker's willingness to answer questions honestly. We try to earn trust by showing our work and admitting our limits.
Common questions
Do you provide laboratory certification?
Not at present. We rely on provenance, documentation, and serial verification, and we are honest about that.
How do I verify a piece?
Enter its serial number on our Verify page to see its authentication certificate.
Keep reading
Every piece is one of one.
Browse the specimen archive and acquire the piece that speaks to you. Each is catalogued once and sold once.