The wood used for fine violin bows is not endangered! Caesalpina Echinata, also known as Pernambuco or Brazilwood, is not an endangered wood. There are many woods besides Caesalpina Echinata that have been at times mistakenly called Pernambuco or Brazilwood, roughly a dozen or so. Much confusion has been generated as a result, and that is further compounded due to the belief of some botanists that there are actually five varieties or subspecies of Caesalpina Echinata. The tree that is actually used for bow making is easily spotted by those who are trained to do so.
Although Pernambuco is not endangered, it is seen as a dwindling resource due to development of the coastal forest regions, and as a result there are long-standing preservation efforts for that tree that have been implemented by both the Brazilian government and various associations of bow makers. Pernambuco harvesting is now controlled, and the Brazilian government for many years has banned the illegal trade of raw Pernambuco wood to countries such as China where mass production is so common. Lately this has been more successful due to some new international regulations. All of the regulations on Pernambuco apply to limiting the sale of raw wood only, and not to finished bows.
There are many organizations that are committed to making sure that quality Pernambuco wood for bow making remains available, and that the choice wood not be depleted or wasted. When you are buying a Pernambuco bow, you might inquire as to where the bow came from, and whether the maker or manufacturing group is involved in supporting preservation.
Bows sold on this site are manufactured only in Brazil by companies or groups of makers that support preservation and who are not involved in the illegal trade of raw Pernambuco wood.
One of the leaders in preservation is the Arcos Brasil group of makers and you can find a great deal more information about this topic by clicking the following link to their web site:
http://www.arcosbrasil.com/PernambuccoWood/pernambuccowood1.html
