Ivory

Ivory is the hard white substance (dentine) derived from the tusks (traditionally elephants) and teeth of animals. Whilst most people think of ivory as coming from elephants, the tusks and teeth of any animal count as ivory.

Ivory has been used as a material for decorative arts since antiquity with the ancient Greeks and Romans practicing ivory carving and producing fine works of art and precious religious objects. There is also evidence of whale and walrus ivory being used by the ancient Irish.

The Chinese have also long valued ivory and there are records of them exporting ivory ware from at least the first century BCE along the Silk Route. Chinese craftsmen carved ivory to make everything from images of deities to stems and end pieces of opium pipes.

Prior to the introduction of plastics, ivory had many practical uses including cutlery handles, billiard balls, piano keys as well as a large range of ornamental items.

Due to animals being exploited to the verge of extinction for their ivory, the importing and sale of ivory is now severely restricted in many countries in an attempt to conserve and protect endangered species.