The Ficus Sycomorus, Sycamore Fig

---

The Ficus sycomorus, Sycamore Fig is a tree native to Africa and the Middle East. It is appreciated for its fruit and its shade.

In Ancient Egypt, the light and resistant wood of the Sycamore figure tree was used for the construction of the sarcophagi.

The wood was also used to extract stone blocks from the rock. The shape of the block to be extracted was drawn and holes were made along the perimeter in which wedges of Sycamore wood were inserted, and repeatedly wetted, so that they become swollen causing the detachment of the block.

TERMS
■the sarcophagi - a coffin carved in stone either buried or displayed above ground

REFERENCES
APP:
■coopculture.it
The Botanical Garden of Palermo

---