Ivory facts for kids
Ivory is a hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally elephant's) and teeth of animals, that can be used in art or manufacturing. It consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is the same, regardless of the species of origin.
The trade in certain teeth and tusks other than elephant is well established and widespread; therefore, "ivory" can correctly be used to describe any mammalian teeth or tusks of commercial interest which are large enough to be carved. It has been valued since ancient times for making a range of items, from ivory carvings to false teeth, fans, dominoes and joint tubes.
Elephant ivory is the most important source, but ivory from mammoth, walrus, hippopotamus, sperm whale, killer whale, narwhal and wart hog are used as well. Elk also have two ivory teeth, which are believed to be the remnants of tusks from their ancestors.
The national and international trade in ivory of threatened species such as African and Asian elephants is illegal.
Uses
Both the Greek and Roman civilizations practiced ivory carving to make large quantities of high value works of art, precious religious objects, and decorative boxes for costly objects. Ivory was often used to form the white of the eyes of statues. There is some evidence of either whale or walrus ivory used by the ancient Irish. Solinus.
The Chinese have long valued ivory for both art and utilitarian objects. Chinese craftsmen carved ivory to make many beautiful and useful items. The Buddhist cultures of Southeast Asia, traditionally harvested ivory from their domesticated elephants. Ivory was prized for containers due to its ability to keep an airtight seal. It was also commonly carved into elaborate seals utilized by officials to "sign" documents and decrees by stamping them with their unique official seal.
The Syrian and North African elephant populations were reduced to extinction, probably due to the demand for ivory in the Classical world.
Images for kids
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Cylindrical ivory casket, Siculo-Arabic, Hunt Museum.
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A depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus crafted in elephant ivory
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An ivory tabernacle featuring the Madonna of Caress, France
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An elaborately carved ivory tusk in Sa'dabad Palace, Iran
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Men with elephant tusks, Dar es Salaam, c. 1900
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Ancient Greek ivory pyxis with griffins attacking stags. Late 15th century BC
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A piece of carved ivory from the Pushkin Museum representing Christ blessing Emperor Constantine VII. Mid 10th century AD
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Ivory cover of the Codex Aureus of Lorsch, c. 810, Carolingian dynasty, Victoria and Albert Museum
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Madonna with Child from the Philippines, 1600s
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Pig tusks
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Ivory musical instrument from Thailand
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Battle of Hannibal and Scipio (Alexander's victory over Poros), by Ignaz Elhafen, c. 1700, Warsaw Royal Castle
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Section through the ivory tusk of a mammoth
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Casket, ivory and silver, Caliphate of Córdoba, 966
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Carving from Indonesia
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The Morgan Casket, an 11th-century ivory casket attributed to Southern Italy, currently in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Virgin Mary head from the Philippines, 18th–19th century
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A cubical ivory bead or game piece from the collections of the Hunt Museum
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Ngo Mon ivory model from Vietnam
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Ivory casket with two drawers, North India
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Ivory workers in Calcutta, c. 1903
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See also
In Spanish: Marfil para niños
