Natural Disaster Souvenir Appraisal

Mount Pinatubo Volcanic Ash Commemorative Plaque

This item is a commemorative souvenir plaque or sculpture base manufactured from volcanic ash collected following the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines. The visible portion shows a rectangular object with a raw, light-grey, stone-like textured edge that reveals the composition of the compressed volcanic material. The back is finished with a black velvet or felt lining to protect surfaces and provides a professional appearance. A small white printed label is adhered directly to the black backing, stating: 'This product is made from the actual Volcanic Ash of the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo Philippines.' The top edge features a small metal eyelet screw, suggesting the item is intended for wall hanging or may have a decorative attachment. The condition appears fair to good, with some minor fraying and dust accumulation on the black felt. The edges of the ash composite show a porous, brittle texture characteristic of such mementos. These items were widely produced in the early to mid-1990s as local relief and souvenir crafts following the historic eruption, using the abundant ashfall to create unique geological artifacts. The craftsmanship demonstrates standard commercial souvenir quality from that period.