| enturies, elephant ivory was prized as a status symbol | | | | have been accidentally uncovered for far longer. |
| of the rich and famous. Across Siberia, where the | | | | Mammoth were so prevalent across the globe during |
| remains of this ancient mammal are frequently found, | | | | their reign in the Pleistocene era, fossilized |
| mammoth ivory has been an article for trade for | | | | remains--including the ivory--have long been unearthed |
| centuries. Mammoth ivory tusks easily reach 4.5-5 feet | | | | by villagers and commissioned builders. Across Siberia, |
| in length, leaving a substantial amount of material to | | | | where the remains of this ancient mammal are |
| work with, or, if left whole, an impressive wall hanging | | | | frequently found, mammoth ivory has been an article |
| and conversation piece. Aficionados are familiar with | | | | for trade for centuries. In today's more interactive and |
| different types and qualities of mammoth ivory. Bits of | | | | communicative world, mammoth ivory trade is |
| mammoth ivory can also be purchased in pieces and | | | | accomplished with a simple phone call, thumbing |
| carved at home. Mammoth ivory dealers are often | | | | through a catalog or clicking a computer mouse. |
| willing to seek out or trade specialty pieces upon | | | | Mammoth ivory tusks easily reach 4.5-5 feet in length, |
| request. | | | | leaving a substantial amount of material to work with, |
| What's the latest and greatest in jewelry making and | | | | or, if left whole, an impressive wall hanging and |
| home decoration? Believe it or not, it's mammoth ivory. | | | | conversation piece. Aficionados are familiar with |
| For centuries, elephant ivory was prized as a status | | | | different types and qualities of mammoth ivory. For |
| symbol of the rich and famous. Unfortunately, demand | | | | example, mammoth ivory can be found in a variety of |
| for this increasingly trendy material led to a drastic | | | | color tones, from nearly white to somewhat dark. |
| decline in the modern elephant population by the late | | | | There is also "inner ivory," which lacks the outside |
| 20th century, and elephant ivory trade was banned as | | | | covering (or "bark"), considered a more rare and |
| of 1989 in order to preserve the species. | | | | exquisite ivory to own and popular in knife-making. |
| Due to its silky feel, creamy color and luxurious | | | | Bits of mammoth ivory can also be purchased in |
| connotations, ivory continues to be a much | | | | pieces and carved at home. According to |
| sought-after material, with police seizures of illegally | | | | professionals, care should be taken in working the |
| poached elephant ivory an all too common occurrence. | | | | ivory, especially if heat is applied (for bending of the |
| In an interesting attempt at compromise, mammoth | | | | material). Mammoth ivory dealers are often willing to |
| ivory is becoming the substitute material of choice, for | | | | seek out or trade specialty pieces upon request. |
| the obvious reason that no illegal action--and no killing | | | | Professional carvers can also be commissioned to |
| of an animal--is required. | | | | carve or work a piece into jewelry or other items. Try |
| The woolly mammoth, an ancestral cousin of today's | | | | the internet as your starting-off point in your |
| modern elephant, sharply dropped off in population | | | | investigation of mammoth ivory, and look for a dealer |
| about 12,000 BCE (before the current era), with small | | | | or artist who has a good following and adequate, |
| pockets still in existence until approximately 1,700 years | | | | verifiable testimonials. The result, whether a finished |
| ago. Mammoth have been excavated by | | | | piece or a full mammoth ivory tusk, will be a family |
| archaeologists specifically for study for about 200 | | | | keepsake for generations to come. |
| years, though remains of this once prolific mammal | | | | |