Ivory

Definition

Ivory is a dense, white material derived from the tusks and teeth of animals, most notably elephants, walruses, and narwhals. It has been highly valued throughout history for its beauty and durability, making it a popular medium for portable art and intricate carvings that symbolize wealth, power, and cultural identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ivory has been used for thousands of years in various cultures for making tools, jewelry, and decorative objects.
2. The crafting of ivory objects often reflects the artistic styles and beliefs of the cultures that produced them, serving as important cultural artifacts.
3. Due to overexploitation and poaching, the international trade of elephant ivory is heavily regulated under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
4. Ivory's unique properties allow it to be carved into detailed shapes, making it ideal for creating small statues, figurines, and intricate art pieces.
5. Historical artifacts made from ivory provide valuable insights into social status, trade relations, and cultural practices of past societies.

Review Questions

• How does ivory function as a medium for expressing cultural identity in portable art?
  • Ivory serves as a significant medium in portable art by allowing artists to create intricate designs that reflect cultural values and beliefs. Many ivory pieces are adorned with symbols or motifs that hold meaning within specific societies, demonstrating status or cultural narratives. The craftsmanship involved in ivory carving also showcases the skills and traditions passed down through generations, making these artworks a reflection of the identity and heritage of the culture that produced them.
• Discuss the impact of the trade of ivory on historical economies and societies.
  • The trade of ivory has had a profound impact on historical economies by establishing extensive trade networks that connected different regions. Ivory was highly valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also as a status symbol, driving demand among elite classes. This demand often led to the exploitation of natural resources and wildlife populations, causing socio-economic shifts within communities reliant on the trade while also sparking conservation efforts as awareness of over-exploitation grew.
• Evaluate the ethical implications surrounding the use of ivory in contemporary art and artifacts considering conservation efforts.
  • The use of ivory in contemporary art raises significant ethical implications due to the ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation and the impact of poaching. As awareness grows about the detrimental effects on elephant populations, artists and collectors face moral dilemmas regarding their choices. The debate centers on balancing appreciation for historical craftsmanship against the necessity for conservation, with many advocating for alternative materials or supporting ethical art practices that prioritize wildlife preservation while still honoring traditional techniques.

Related terms

Carving: The artistic technique of shaping materials like ivory to create decorative or functional objects, often requiring great skill and precision.

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often seen in art where ivory objects can carry cultural or social meanings.

Trade: The exchange of goods and services, which historically included ivory as a highly sought-after commodity, leading to extensive trade networks.