Pinus Cembra grows naturally only in the high altitudes of the Austrian Alps. The wood that I work with is cut during an exact phase of the waning moon, which is when the wood is at its most stable. This is how the wood harnesses its unique relaxing power.
The soothing effects of stone pine are scientifically proven. The simple presence in the area of the moon wood reduces heart rate to 3,500 strokes per day, equivalent to one hour of heart activity. Limba, therefore, helps to restore the whole body.
I carve this beautiful stone pine wood based on the distinct shape of your hand - so it will be yours forever. Then you can absorb the unique power of this moon wood whenever you need it.
Whether it will be the hand print of yours or of someone you want to dedicate it to, simply put your hand into the modeling mass which you will receive at our personal meeting or via mail. You can also write a few words about yourself or the person for whom the piece will be created so I will be able to think about the qualities of the person I am creating the piece for.
First, I choose the right piece of wood and shape it. Then I carve the wood into the precise shape of your hand. I do not need anything else except for the wood. No oils or treatments are used. All I need is my chisel and the greatest concentration.
Finally, I will send the Limba to you by post or by personal delivery. The strength of it will be forever yours! The package will also include a certificate detailing the origin of the wood and a briefcase where you can keep the moon wood safe. The Limba will become an authentic part of your home.
In Austria I met Ing. Dr. Erwin Thoma, a former forester and now even a well known expert, who re-discovered the rare effects of the stone pine and often speaks about it publicly. Erwin has been providing me with wonderful moon wood from the purest alpine peaks.
„The tree contains all the wisdom of nature. It contains the
vitality and fitness within itself. It was and still is my life goal to bring these qualities of the
tree into the lives of the people. The strongest qualities of the tree can take effect when the wood
is used in its best form, i.e. moon wood.
Libor Frank has created a shapely source of energy
with which it is possible to gain the vitality of wood directly by your own hands. The presentation
of the personal limba was a touching moment. Libor, thank you for your wonderful idea!“
Ing.
Dr. Erwin Thoma
Thoma.at
Dear Mr. Jiří Netík – perhaps the most skillful and internationally recognized Czech woodcarver - gave me a lot of experience how to work with wood. I thank him once again.
„Surrounded by artificial objects, toxic influences, and
stress from the crowds, I feel that I am losing my freedom. I need to find ways to recharge. My
forever faithful helpers are thankfully close by: stone, earth, fire, water and my greatest support
- wood. It’s beauty, strength and scent.
Daily contact with wood in all its forms gives me
a firm grounding in today's virtual world. And stone pine, the century-old beauty from the
heights that gives me a power hard to describe, maybe even mystical. By connecting with this wood,
even for just a moment, I know that I am where I belong“
Jiří Netík
Personal
website
Blog
Pinus Cembra naturally grows only in high altitudes of the Austrian Alps. The Austrian Alps is a very beautiful and untouched environment. Thanks to the local minerals, Pinus Cembra gains tenacity and collects a great amount of energy while it grows. Subsequently, this harnessed energy is slowly released over the years.
The unique effects of this wood are further enhanced by being cut in the most suitable conditions. During the winter moonlight when the moon wanes, the wood contracts and tightens and therefore, there is less sap. As a result, the wood does not crack nor twist and is stronger and more durable. These qualities remain for centuries. This is the so-called 'moon wood'. This technique has been understood by less technologically advanced societies for hundreds of years - for example, moon wood has been used to build the ancient temples that are still intact today.
It has a beneficial effect on our body and especially on the psyche. Simply being in the presence of the Limba wood can calm and reduce heartbeat. These effects are confirmed by both old folk wisdom as well as a number of scientific studies.
For example, Austrian university professor Maximilian Moser of the Joanneum Research Institute studied the effects of Pinus Cembra moon wood on the body through a sleep study comparing cardiac and sleep rhythms when sleeping on beds made from Pinus Cembra vs regular wood. He made two identical rooms with identical-looking beds but one bed was made from pure Pinus Cembra wood and the other was made from an imitation wood. Professor Moser had the subjects sleep in each of the beds and during the night, he measured their heartbeats and observed their sleep rhythms.. When the subjects slept in the bed made from Pinus Cembra, he measured on average 3,000 less heartbeats per night. The difference corresponds to approximately one hour of cardiac activity that the hearts saved during one night. The results also showed a prolonged phase of deep sleep, an improved sleep quality reported by the subjects, and a strengthening of the vegetative nervous system.
Incidentally, medicinal essential oils of pinus cembra have been used in medicine since ancient times. The oils can release and promote blood circulation of the air passages, help with colic, combat dizziness, tooth pain and other ailments and are used as massage oils to promote relaxation and circulation.
It depends on you. You can keep it beside your bed, at your desk or in the living room. Or, you can hang it on the wall, as it naturally has small holes on the back of it that you could use to hang it on a hook. The Limba will delight and aromatize any space.
Keep your Limba in a place that you can easily reach so you can accept its strength when needed. You can use the Limba at a regular time, as part of your daily routine, or at particular moments when you need the calming energy.
The moon wood I work with comes from the Austrian Alps. More specifically, it is from the Pongau area at an altitude of more than 1,200 meters. The wood is always at least 80 years old.
I guarantee the authenticity of wood. Alongside the completed block, you will receive a certificate of origin which will provide information regarding the species, its origin and the age of the wood. The certificate will display your name and will be signed by myself. The only legitimate owner of the Limba will be you or whomever you dedicate it to.
Dusting. That is all! Over time, it can naturally change its color in the light but this does not affect the integrity of the wood. However, I do not recommend painting, polishing or waxing it in any way. I am careful to avoid modifying the Limba surface so that contact between you and the moon wood can be fluid and without obstacles. I recommend that it remains like this so you can receive the maximum benefits.
Currently, I do not plan to carve other shapes. However, if you would like to adjust its dimensions to fit in your showcase or on your shelf, I would be happy to accommodate your request in this way. I am limited by the tree size for the base of my work but within those limits, I can agree with you on what size is best.
The finished block of moon wood cost 789,- EUR. The price includes the cost of the wood itself, the carving of your hand and the transport within the Czech Republic. There may be an additional postal charge if the Limba is being delivered internationally.
Before I start to work, it is necessary to make a 50% deposit as I will need to acquire the wood. You will pay the rest of the amount as soon as the Limba is ready for delivery. You can make the payment by bank transfer which I will provide you when we confirm the project.
Completed hand carving of your Pinus Cembra moon wood. It will be stored in a custom-made wooden case where you can store and transport your Limba safely. The package will also include the original certificate written to dedicate its owner - you or the person you dedicated it to.
Also included in the briefcase will be two bags filled with fine Pinus Cembra shavings that were produced while carving. You can keep the shavings with you in your pocket or purse, put them under a pillow or give them to someone. They smell beautifully and have healing effects.
The package also includes a cotton cloth designed for dusting off the Limba, screws for wall-to-wall attachment, and all the important information about your unique moon wood.
Of course! The Limba makes the perfect gift to someone you really care about. The only thing I will need to create it is the handprint of the person to whom you are dedicating it. I will send you the special substance for you to make the mold of the handprint and with the instructions for doing so.
I will deliver your Limba to you by messenger. However, we can also arrange a different method of transportation. If it is possible for you, I would be pleased to meet you personally in my workshop near Prague. The cost of the transport within the Czech Republic is already included in the price.
It will depend on when I receive the form of your hand. Either we meet personally, at which time I can take the mold of your hand, or I will send you the materials for doing it yourself at home and then you can send it back to me. Once I receive the deposit and your hand print, I will start working immediately and it will be delivered to you in about 4 weeks. Throughout the production, I will be available to you - you are welcome to visit my studio or contact me with any questions.
