Introduction: Understanding Ivory and Its Legacy
Ivory has long been admired for its beauty, durability, and cultural significance, making it a prized material in art, decoration, and craftsmanship across civilizations. However, behind its allure lies a complex history marked by exploitation, poaching, and controversy. From ancient carvings to modern antiques, ivory has played a significant role in human culture, yet its demand has contributed to the decline of endangered species and the rise of global conservation efforts.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the rich history and uses of ivory, learn how to distinguish genuine ivory from imitations and gain a clear understanding of the evolving laws that govern its trade. Whether you are an antique collector, historian, or conservation advocate, this article offers valuable insights into one of the world’s most debated materials.
What is Ivory?
Ivory is a dense, white material derived from the tusks and teeth of animals such as elephants, walruses, hippopotamuses, narwhals, warthogs, and sperm whales. Composed primarily of dentine, ivory has a smooth, polished surface, making it highly desirable for art and ornamentation. However, this demand has driven poaching and contributed to the decline of several species.
Cultural and Historical Uses of Ivory
Ivory has been treasured and used in art and daily objects for millennia, particularly in decorative arts. Its versatility and aesthetic appeal have made it a popular material across cultures and eras:
- Sailors’ Scrimshaw: Carvings on whale ivory depicting ships and maritime scenes, created during long sea voyages to pass the time.
- Chinese Ivory Carvings: Intricately detailed works such as netsuke, snuff bottles, and models of dragons, ships, and villages—symbols of centuries of craftsmanship.
- Religious Artifacts: Used for crucifixes, statues, and ceremonial objects, reflecting its significance in spiritual and cultural practices.
- Victorian Era Objects: Widely used during the 19th century for piano keys, handheld fans, brushes, cutlery, and jewelry—showcasing both luxury and everyday use.
- Everyday Decorative and Functional Items: Ivory was crafted into inlays for boxes and furniture, small card cases, books, and a variety of personal accessories.
This extensive use of ivory throughout history highlights its cultural importance and the scale of its consumption, particularly in the 19th century when it was embedded in countless household and luxury items.
Further Traditions and Uses of Ivory
- Sailors’ Scrimshaw: During long whaling voyages, sailors hunted whales primarily for their blubber to produce lantern oil. However, they also used whale ivory to carve intricate scenes depicting the ships they sailed on and maritime life. This folk art, known as scrimshaw, became a cherished form of self-expression and is now highly collectible.
- The Legacy of Chinese Ivory Carvings: For centuries, Chinese artisans have demonstrated exceptional skill in ivory carving. They produced an array of items, from delicate netsuke and snuff bottles to elaborate fans and clothing accessories such as buttons and toggles. Master carvers created breathtaking models of ships, dragons, and entire village scenes, showcasing their artistry and preserving cultural stories through their work.
Ivory Look-Alikes and Synthetic Alternatives
Several materials resemble ivory, including:
- Bone: Distinguished by black pits (from blood vessels).
- Celluloid & Bakelite (Early Plastics): Often yellow over time, lacking ivory’s cross-hatching patterns.
- Vegetable Ivory: Derived from the tagua nut, a sustainable alternative.
Resin & Modern Plastics: Typically smooth without grain patterns.
Changes in UK Ivory Trade Laws: From Past Legality to Strict Bans
Trading in ivory was once legal in the UK under certain conditions. Specifically, it was permissible to sell ivory items that predated 1947 without restriction. However, in April 2018, the UK government announced sweeping changes, introducing a near-total ban on ivory sales with only a few exceptions.
The Former Rules on Selling Ivory
Before the new legislation, the trade in antique ivory was relatively unrestricted, provided the item was made before 1947. Exceptions were granted for items that contained less than 10% ivory, such as musical instruments, furniture, and pianos with ivory inlays. Additionally, objects of significant historical or artistic value, as determined by museum and heritage experts, were also exempt from restrictions.
The Shift: The UK Ivory Act 2018
The UK Ivory Act 2018, which came into force in June 2022, dramatically altered the landscape of ivory sales. The new law prohibited the sale of almost all ivory items, even antiques, with limited exceptions, including:
- Items containing less than 10% ivory by volume, made before 3 March 1947 (such as pianos or furniture).
- Pre-1918 items of outstanding artistic, cultural, or historical importance, which must undergo expert assessment and registration.
The law also introduced strict rules requiring sellers to register items meeting exemption criteria and obtain an exemption certificate. Items that failed to meet these standards, such as silver cutlery with ivory handles, would have to be stripped of their ivory components or sold as scrap without their ivory parts.
The Expansion of the Ban in 2023
In 2023, the ban was further extended to include ivory from other species beyond elephants, such as:
- Walruses
- Narwhals
- Hippopotamuses
- Sperm whales
This expansion also explicitly prohibited the sale of scrimshaw pieces—whale ivory carvings traditionally made by sailors.
The End of Easy Sales: The Law Has Changed
While it was once legal and commonplace to sell antique ivory without regulation, those days are over. The UK now has some of the strictest ivory laws in the world. Sellers can no longer monetize ivory items unless they meet very specific exemptions, which must be proven through registration and assessment. Simply owning ivory, however, remains legal, and there are no laws prohibiting collectors from keeping their existing pieces.
Severe Penalties for Breaking the Law
Under the new laws, selling non-exempt ivory without registration can result in heavy fines and even imprisonment. The UK government’s stricter stance reflects a global push to protect endangered species and combat poaching.
In summary: What was once an open market for antiques is now tightly controlled. Ivory that was easy to sell before must now meet strict conditions, and the sale of ivory from other species, including scrimshaw, is banned entirely. These laws represent a fundamental shift from a once-tolerated trade to a near-total prohibition, emphasizing conservation and the protection of endangered species.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information on the UK’s regulations regarding ivory, please refer to the official government resources below:
- Guidance on Dealing in Items Containing Ivory: This page provides detailed instructions on the legal requirements for buying, selling, or hiring items made of or containing ivory in the UK. GOV.UK
- Ivory Act 2018: The full text of the legislation outlining the prohibition on dealing in ivory and the specific exemptions allowed under the law. Legislation.gov.uk
These resources offer essential guidance for anyone involved in the trade or ownership of ivory items, ensuring compliance with current UK laws.
Note: Currently, mammoth ivory remains legal to trade, as it comes from an extinct species and is not covered under the UK Ivory Act. However, due to its similarity to elephant ivory, buyers and sellers should exercise caution and ensure proper identification.
How to Identify Real Ivory from Imitations
- Visual Inspection:
- Ivory: Shows unique cross-hatching patterns called Schreger lines.
- Bone: Displays tiny black pits from blood vessels.
- The Heat Test: Pressing a hot pin against ivory leaves no mark, but plastic melts.
- UV Light Test: Ivory glows blue-white under UV light, while plastic glows dull or yellow.
How to Distinguish Between Ivory and Plastic/Celluloid
While you’ve already covered general identification methods, distinguishing ivory specifically from plastic or celluloid requires attention to their subtle differences. Here are methods that expand beyond the basics without duplicating information already covered:
1. Texture and Surface Comparison (Beyond Basic Visual Inspection)
- Ivory: Feels dense and cool to the touch, with natural grain patterns that have slight irregularities. The surface will have a soft, organic sheen.
- Plastic/Celluloid: Often feels warmer and lighter. Molded plastic can sometimes have tiny seam lines from manufacturing, which ivory never has.
2. The Smell Test (During the Heat Test) (A Key Distinction)
- Ivory: Produces a faint, organic smell (similar to burning hair or fingernails) due to its organic composition.
- Plastic/Celluloid: Emits a harsh, chemical odor, often described as a burnt plastic smell.
3. The Pin Test (With Caution) Complementing the Heat Test
You may have discussed the heat test, but a quick addition: Celluloid melts rapidly with a strong smell, while Bakelite (an early plastic) may char but not fully melt, making this test a good way to differentiate types of plastic.
4. Weight and Sound Test
- Ivory: Feels heavy for its size and produces a soft, resonant sound when tapped together.
- Plastic/Celluloid: Is usually lighter and produces a dull, hollow sound.
5. Magnification Test for Synthetic Grain Patterns (Additional Visual Check)
Plastic or resin imitations may attempt to mimic grain but often have repeating or uniform patterns, a giveaway that they are synthetic.
Under magnification, ivory shows natural, irregular patterns (Schreger lines for elephant ivory or wavy grain for mammoth ivory).
Ivory does not have veins so doesn’t have the blood marks, instead, with ivory you are looking for cross Hatching depending on how it is cut or the grain but it’s always very smooth and very clean looking compared to bone, that’s the best way to tell,
🎥 Watch My Full Identification Tutorial on YouTube:
Conservation and Ethical Considerations
The ivory trade has played a major role in the decline of elephant populations and other ivory-bearing species, driving some to the brink of extinction. As global efforts to combat poaching intensify, awareness and responsible action are more important than ever.
- Promote Sustainable Alternatives: Choose eco-friendly substitutes, such as vegetable ivory from tagua nuts, which mimic the look and feel of ivory without harming wildlife.
- Support Conservation Initiatives: Contribute to and participate in campaigns aimed at protecting endangered species and combating illegal poaching. Organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Born Free Foundation work to preserve natural habitats and protect wildlife.
- Advocate for Stronger Protections: Encourage continued enforcement of international agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the global ivory trade.
- Educate Others: Spread awareness about the impact of the ivory trade and the importance of ethical collecting practices to ensure future generations understand the consequences of illegal wildlife exploitation.
My Personal View:
While I strongly believe in protecting endangered species and supporting sustainable alternatives, I also feel that historical art and artifacts crafted from ivory hundreds of years ago should be preserved. These pieces represent cultural heritage from a time when the use of ivory was accepted, and the animals have already died. Protecting history and learning from it can coexist with conservation efforts.
Conservation is a shared responsibility. By making informed choices and supporting sustainable practices, we can help preserve endangered species and their habitats for future generations.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide offers insights into ivory’s history, uses, identification methods, and the latest laws regulating its sale. It also emphasizes the importance of ethical collecting practices and wildlife conservation.
