South African untreated hardwood railway ties were reused and handcrafted to make trinket boxes, plates, bowls and art gallery stuff

 

made from trees such as Rhodesian Teak, Lebombo Iron wood, African Teak and Panga Panga

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/box-handcrafted-recycled-hardwood-1853703774

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-10-29-9510290080-story.html

http://www.rail-fastener.com/Railroad-ties-for-Gardens.html

https://www.designplusgallery.com/product/reclaimed-african-national-railroad-tie-coffee-table-3/