ELEPHANT AND MAMMOTH IVORY Meaning and
Definition
-
Elephant and mammoth ivory are two distinct types of ivory obtained from different animals.
Elephant ivory refers to the ivory obtained from the tusks of elephants. Elephants are large land mammals that feature long, curved tusks made of ivory. These tusks are elongated, protruding teeth, which serve various purposes for elephants including defense, digging, and stripping bark off trees. Elephant ivory has been highly sought after for centuries due to its beauty, durability, and workability. It has been historically used to create intricate carvings, jewelry, and decorative objects. However, the demand for elephant ivory has led to the rampant illegal ivory trade, resulting in a decline in elephant populations and a worldwide ban on the commercial trade of ivory.
Mammoth ivory, on the other hand, is the ivory obtained from the tusks of mammoths. Mammoths were prehistoric relatives of elephants that became extinct thousands of years ago. The tusks of mammoths are also made of ivory and share similar physical properties to elephant ivory. Mammoths have long intrigued scientists and when preserved in permafrost, their tusks can be excavated and harvested for their ivory. Unlike elephant ivory, mammoth ivory is considered ethically harvested since it doesn't contribute to the threat of extinction or poaching. It has gained popularity in recent times as a substitute for elephant ivory in various industries including art, knife making, and jewelry.
