Ivory is one of the oldest materials used by humans to make decorative objects and works of art, distinguished by its unique beauty and flexibility that allows it to be shaped into beautiful forms. Ivory is not just a material for luxurious use, but carries a long history that spans different cultures and geographies. From ancient artifacts to contemporary jewelry, ivory holds cultural and artistic significance. In this article, we will review the nine most important types of ivory and their uses, as well as tips on how to preserve it.
Elephant ivory:
Elephant ivory is one of the most famous, oldest and most popular types of ivory in the world. It is extracted from the tusks of elephants and is considered one of the most valuable types of ivory due to its soft texture and high ability to withstand engraving and decoration. The history of elephant ivory dates back thousands of years, where it was used to make ornaments, jewelry and luxury household items. Elephant ivory is distinguished by its distinctive cream color, which adds a touch of luxury to the pieces made from it.
In ancient times, elephant ivory artifacts were a symbol of power and wealth, used by kings and wealthy people to decorate their palaces and estates. These pieces were also considered long-term investments, as elephant ivory retains its high value over time. It is still used today in the manufacture of some luxury items and jewelry, despite environmental restrictions on its use.
Hippopotamus ivory:
Hippopotamus ivory is a rare material that many people may not know about. This ivory is characterized by its great durability and strength that surpasses other types of ivory. Although it is less popular than elephant ivory, it is highly sought after in the global markets for certain purposes. Hippopotamus ivory is characterized by its translucent white color and durability, which makes it suitable for making delicate tools such as knife handles and small statues.
One of the unique properties of hippo ivory is its hardness, which makes it difficult to engrave intricate details, yet the pieces made from it are known to last for long periods of time without being affected by the effects of time. It is also an ideal choice for those who love antiques that combine strength and beauty.
walrus ivory
Walrus ivory comes from the tusks of walruses that live in the cold regions of the Arctic, and has been used for thousands of years by traditional cultures such as the Inuit to make everyday tools and artistic artifacts. Walrus ivory is strong and hard, and is an ideal material for fine carvings due to its dense texture and whitish color.
Throughout history, walrus ivory has been used by carvers to create sculptures and artistic decorations that express the culture and daily life of Arctic communities. Over time, walrus ivory has become an essential component of artworks related to maritime heritage, expressing the close relationship between man and nature.
Whale ivory:
Whale ivory is another type of ivory that is known for its pure white color and ease of shaping, making it a favorite among craftsmen for making traditional jewelry and decorative items. Whale ivory is extracted from whale teeth and is commonly used in whaling communities.
One of the most notable features of whale ivory is its softness compared to other types of ivory, which allows artists to create intricate designs and fine details in the pieces made from it. Its white color also makes it suitable for making pieces that require high visual distinction, and it is also used in the manufacture of luxury homewares that combine luxury and simplicity.
Rhinoceros ivory:
Rhino ivory is one of the rarest and most expensive types of ivory in the world. This type of ivory is highly valued economically due to the rarity of the animal itself and the strict restrictions imposed by governments on its hunting to protect it from extinction. Ivory is extracted from the horns of rhinoceroses and is considered an exceptionally valuable material in the world markets.
In the past, rhinoceros ivory was used to make luxury items and artifacts that reflected power and wealth. Despite current restrictions on its use, ancient pieces made from this ivory remain a source of interest for collectors and investors.
Is there dinosaur ivory?
Although dinosaurs became extinct millions of years ago, there are some fossils that contain the remains of dinosaur teeth or bones, and these fossils are considered a type of archaeological ivory. This type of "ivory" is extremely rare and is considered a material of great historical value rather than a material used in manufacturing.
These pieces are usually sold at auction as rare antiques. They are treated with great care due to their historical and archaeological value. They are also among the most sought after pieces by paleontologists and collectors.
How to maintain ivory and how to clean it:
Ivory is a delicate material that requires special care to maintain its quality and beauty over time. One of the most important tips for maintaining ivory is to avoid exposing it to high humidity or excessive heat, as this can cause it to crack or change color. Ivory pieces can be cleaned with a soft cloth slightly dampened with warm water.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that may erode the ivory. If you have antique pieces of ivory, it is best to consult a conservator to ensure they are properly cared for.
How to choose the right type of ivory for you:
1- Purpose of use:
If you want fine art and jewelry, choose elephant ivory because of its softness and ease of shaping.
If you prefer harder, stronger materials, hippopotamus ivory and walrus ivory are suitable for making fine tools.
2- Details and shape:
If you are looking for a unique and exotic design, boar ivory is an unconventional choice.
3- Environmental laws:
Check the laws regarding ivory, especially rhinoceros ivory and tortoise ivory, as there are strict restrictions on trade in these to protect endangered species.
4- Budget:
Some types of ivory such as rhinoceros ivory or dinosaur ivory can be expensive and require a higher budget.
5- Historical value:
If you are interested in historical or rare pieces, you can look for dinosaur ivory or antique pieces made from banned types of ivory.
Conclusion:
Ivory has a long history spanning the ages, having been used in many cultures to make luxury items and artistic masterpieces. With the passage of time and environmental awareness, some types of ivory have become rare and restricted in use, such as elephant and rhinoceros ivory, to preserve endangered animals. So, if you are a fan of collecting antiques or jewelry made of ivory, it is essential to know the different types of ivory and how to care for them to ensure their value is preserved.