With the global ban on elephant ivory, genuine mammoth ivory has been the replacement. Unlike the forbidden elephant ivory, mammoth ivory is legal to use worldwide because of the animal being an extinct species. Another difference between the two ivories is that mammoth ivory is exclusive because of being so rare and limited in supply. Where elephant ivory may be banned, but since it is not extinct and the ban has not been as enforceable as needed, elephant ivory of different items are not as far and few between as the extinct and limited mammoth ivory items are.
With the global ban on elephant ivory, genuine mammoth ivory has been the replacement. Unlike the forbidden elephant ivory, mammoth ivory is legal to use worldwide because of the animal being an extinct species. Another difference between the two ivories is that mammoth ivory is exclusive because of being so rare and limited in supply. Where elephant ivory may be banned, but since it is not extinct and the ban has not been as enforceable as needed, elephant ivory of different items are not as far and few between as the extinct and limited mammoth ivory items are.
These huge giants roamed the earth around 20,000 years ago were much larger in size than our elephants today. The animal’s extinction was due to drastic environmental changes long ago, but their carcases and tusks have been nicely preserved, especially throughout areas of bordering Siberia and other untouched arctic regions. The tusks can be up to 16 feet in length and on occasion, even longer. Some of the oldest mammoth ivory figurines can be carbon dated all the way back to 35,000 years ago, but these rare tusk figurines are so old that they are kept in various state museums for all of us to enjoy.
Since the cold preserves fossils of all types so well, there is still a very large cache of fossilized carcases and tusks for the ivory business to still thrive for now. The only draw back is the high expenses of extracting this unique material. There is too the knowledge that eventually the raw material findings will also become more limited and eventually fading out all arts due to the fact that over time, there will no longer be available.
The sculptures done today are part of an elite craftsman trade and there are very few of highly experienced sculptures. These artistic crafted skills are handed down from generation to generation. The results of the work is astounding due to the exquisite details and beauty that is unable to be duplicated by the unskilled ivory sculpture. The pure ivory figurines will at times have inlays of pure gold, silver and other precious stones for added detail, uniqueness and beauty. The prices are understandably expensive due to the rarity and uniqueness, but well worth the investment. There are many shops around the world that do sell figurines and other mammoth ivory items. So these rare, but beautiful works of art are still accessible to many of us, if we can afford the prices.
anita satin choudhary writes for ivory and art gallery. browse the gallery for unique collection of artifacts ranging from mammoth ivory tusks and scuptures to netsuke and kiddush cups
