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Bethlehem
Located six miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem nestles on two hilly plateaus. As the birthplace of Christ, this smalltown has been thrust onto the world stage, its name conjuring up images of the infant Jesus,the Magi and the shepherds coming to worship.
Bethlehem lies 2550 feet above sea level, surrounded by rolling hills which stretch out eastward to the Judean desert providing stunning vies of an ancient landscape of vine yards, Olive trees and tiny villages. it is one of the most prosperous towns in the Holy Land, with an extremely fertile soil whose products are sold in the local market every week. Bethlehem is famous for its olive wood hand carvings, its mother of pearl jewellery and its distinctive embroidery.
Bethlehem Olive wood Carving and Sculpture
Is one of old wide spread forms of art being practiced in almost every Christian family in sacred Bethlehem, Beit Sahour and Beit Jala cities which in all forms nowadays Bethlehem directorate.
Most work is done with hard-held knife or with a chisel and electric sews, using the olive tree wood, which is the main tree in the country, producing various types of religious, figures, and events or useful ornaments.
Olive Wood Tree
The Olive tree is a blessed tree, its in the bible, it has been highly regarded, since ancient times, olive wood is a very important source for heating purposes because it burns slowly and generates high heat. It is worth mentioning that the olive wood Tree should be kept for 150 years before its branches can be used for woodcarving.
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