Elephant Tusk Collection

African ivory trade, 1800s
Ivory trader in an African village, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Carved Tusk, c. 1820 (ivory)
499721 Carved Tusk, c.1820 (ivory) by Benin; 197.4 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Consisting of a clay platform built against a wall, the altars in the palace of the oba)

The customers of the Old Turkey Cock pub near Hunston in Herts. 1956 A273-005

African elephants (Loxodonta) at at Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
African elephants (Loxodonta) at at Addo Elephant National Park; Eastern Cape, South Africa

African elephant (Loxodonta) at Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
African elephant (Loxodonta) at Addo Elephant National Park; Eastern Cape, South Africa

African elephants (Loxodonta) at Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
African elephants (Loxodonta) at Addo Elephant National Park; Eastern Cape, South Africa

Portrait of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana), looking at the camera, Tsavo, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Jacob Aertz Colom, De Vyerighe Colom, klaer vertoonende de XVII Nederlantsche Provincien, ca. 1660

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

"The Elephant Tusk: A Symbol of Riches and Trade in the African Ivory Market" In the 1800s, the African ivory trade boomed, with elephant tusks becoming highly sought after commodities. One such artifact is a beautifully carved tusk from around 1820, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship that adorned these precious materials. The significance of they can be traced back centuries ago when Kushites carried tributes of gold, ivory, and animal skins as offerings to honor their rulers. This tradition is depicted in stunning detail on ancient tomb walls like that of Rekhmire. Fast forward to 1956 at The Old Turkey Cock pub near Hunston in Herts. , where customers gathered to enjoy drinks and engage in lively conversations. Little did they know about the historical connection between their local haunt and the once-thriving ivory trade. Today, Addo Elephant National Park stands as a sanctuary for African elephants (Loxodonta) in South Africa's Eastern Cape region. These majestic creatures roam freely within its boundaries, reminding us of both their beauty and vulnerability. Capturing one's attention with soulful gazes are portraits taken in Tsavo featuring an African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Their expressive eyes seem to hold stories untold - tales of resilience amidst human encroachment on their natural habitats. Reflecting upon Jacob Aertz Colom's map "De Vyerighe Colom, " we see how Dutch cartographers documented not only geographical features but also cultural elements like ivory trading routes across seventeen provinces. It serves as a testament to Europe's fascination with this valuable resource from afar. The story behind each elephant tusk carries echoes of history - from ancient rituals honoring leaders to bustling pubs unknowingly linked to past trades; from protected national parks preserving these magnificent creatures' existence today to maps documenting colonial-era commerce. The tale continues through time, reminding us of our responsibility towards conservation and the preservation of these incredible animals.