Marquetry

Marquetry, a Syrian know-how :

Syrian marquetry refers to the technique of plating or inlaying strips of precious wood, mother-of-pearl or ivory on a carpentry assembly. The veneering technique appeared in Mesopotamia more than 4000 years ago.  This craft industry has developed considerably, and has put itself at the service of religion. Among the many patterns on the wood are hidden icons, crosses. This allowed persecuted Christians to be able to pray in secret. In Syria, the marquetry often represents a rose or the sun because Damascus means paradise, it is a beautiful and green city.