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Message:: [QUOTE="Taupou, post: 4499160, member: 45"]A little off-topic, and "late-to-the-show," but just wanted to point out that although some "albesia" (commonly spelled "Albizia") may be called "Lancaran acacia," I don't believe the two are the same, although both are in the legume family, and are often confused. There are over 1350 separate varieties of acacia shrubs and trees, and around 160 of Albizia.  Some some of the varieties of both are very invasive and hard-to-eradicate shrubs. The "acacia" trees are a very durable hardwood, widely used in furniture and flooring.  Plus, because it is a naturally antibacterial wood and durable, it's also used for numerous kitchen and food-related items. Americans are probably most familiar with Hawaiian Koa wood, which is a species of acacia traditionally used in making everything from canoes and surfboards, to weapons and Koa bowls. However, the Indonesian mask in question was probably made from one of the Albizia varieties (or another tropical softwood), rather than what is commonly known as "acacia" (as in Hawaiian Koa), since acacia is a hardwood and therefore difficult to carve, as well as being relatively expensive. (It's all made more confusing, since "Lancaran acacia," isn't really a type of acacia, despite the name.)[/QUOTE]