text:  The traditional woods that are used are cottonwood root or a cottonwood tree, aspen, and sometimes pine. It was just whatever was available to that specific artist. Because the New Mexico and Colorado terrain changes from one end to the other, so after the piece had been carved, then they would use what's called gesso. It's sort of like a paint plaster, so it covers up all the seams and gives you a good base for color.