Frequently asked questions

A prayer nut is a travelling altar: a small wooden box that you open up and in which you write your prayer or the name of a loved one. It is meant to be carried with you every day, to remind you of those who are important to you and to pray for those who need the Creator’s help and attention.

The nut is flat and blank. You write a name, a date or a symbol in it with a pen. Because it is small, you always carry your prayer with you.

Has your prayer been answered, or do you feel it has been in there long enough? With a piece of sandpaper you clear the nut again for something new.

Prayer nuts have existed for centuries. Around 1500, woodcarvers in the Low Countries, such as Adam Dircksz, made tiny prayer nuts carved with scenes from the life of Jesus. They can be seen in the Rijksmuseum and Museum Catharijneconvent, among others.

Following a visit to the Rijksmuseum in 1983, Wiebe van Dingen designed a new, simple prayer nut for everyday use. Read more in ‘The Story’.

It is handwork. The wood is carefully selected and dries for 1 to 2 years. It is then sawn into slices, sanded, pre-drilled and fitted with a hinge. The bark and sharp edges are removed, and finally the letters WD (Wiebe van Dingen) are stamped into the nut.

Up to 20 mm: €10. From 20 to 25 mm: €15. From 25 to 30 mm: €20. From 30 to 33 mm: €25. From 33 to 38 mm: €30. From 38 mm and for a special larger version: by arrangement. Prices exclude postage and packaging.

Yes. An ornament such as coloured glass, a small button, a bead, a gemstone or another kind of wood costs € 5 extra. A name or logo can be stamped into the nut with letter punches, and the prayer nut can be made as a pendant, if desired with a matching coloured cord.

Through the order form. Wiebe will then contact you about payment and shipping.

Each prayer nut comes with an explanation. It is available in more than 50 languages, from English and Frisian to Chinese, Arabic and Swahili. You choose the language when you order. All texts are on the page Translations.

Yes, for example for a birth, birthday or anniversary, for a new stage of life, as a farewell gift for school or a colleague, or to comfort someone.

Yes, for groups and for individual participants, indoors and outdoors, in any season. Get in touch via the page About the maker.

A prayer nut featuring a rock crystal ornament from Manipur (India). By purchasing this, you are supporting the local population by providing education and medical aid in remote areas of Asia.

Wiebe van Dingen, a visual artist on the Veluwe in the Netherlands. He makes sculptures mostly from locally found wood, combined with glass and weathered metal. You can read more about him on About the maker and on wiebevandingen.com.