The gleaming surfaces of carved animal teeth, often simply termed ivory, have captivated human imagination for millennia. More than just a raw material, this organic gem, derived from the dentition of various creatures, served as a canvas for artistry, a symbol of status, and a testament to human ingenuity. While the colossal tusks of elephants are perhaps the most iconic source, the teeth of walruses, hippopotami, sperm whales, and even wild boars have all contributed to a rich global heritage of ivory craftsmanship. Each type offered unique qualities, from the dense, creamy texture of hippo ivory to the distinctively mottled core of walrus tusks, challenging and inspiring artisans in equal measure.
Sources of Enduring Beauty: The Animal Origins
The term “ivory” broadly encompasses dentine, the hard, dense, bony tissue forming the bulk of a tooth or tusk. While chemically similar across species, the structure, size, and appearance of ivory vary significantly, influencing its use in crafts.
The Arctic’s Treasure: Walrus Ivory
For centuries, particularly in northern cultures like the Norse and Inuit, walrus tusks were a primary source of ivory. These canine teeth, which can grow up to a meter long, possess a unique inner structure. The core, known as “secondary dentine,” has a marbled or oatmeal-like appearance, distinguishing it from the smoother, more uniform elephant ivory. Viking artisans masterfully worked walrus ivory into everyday objects, gaming pieces like the famed Lewis Chessmen, and elaborate religious carvings. The material’s toughness made it suitable for items requiring durability, and its northern origin imbued it with an exotic allure in trade further south.
Giants of the Deep: Sperm Whale Teeth
The teeth of the sperm whale, conical and substantial, became the favored medium for a very specific art form: scrimshaw. Primarily practiced by whalers during long voyages in the 18th and 19th centuries, scrimshaw involved engraving intricate scenes, portraits, and patterns onto polished whale teeth, then highlighting the etching with pigment. These were not merely idle pastimes; they were personal expressions, mementos of a harsh life, and sometimes, the only artistic outlet available. Each tooth told a story, a miniature chronicle of maritime adventure or longing for home.
River Horse Riches: Hippopotamus Ivory
Hippopotamus teeth, particularly the large canines and incisors, yield an ivory that is exceptionally dense and fine-grained, often considered superior in quality to elephant ivory for certain applications due to its hardness and creamy white color. Ancient Egyptians highly valued hippo ivory, carving it into amulets, figurines, and decorative inlays. Later, in Europe, it was used for smaller, detailed works such as knife handles, buttons, and delicate statuettes. Its density allowed for very fine carving and a high polish.
The Forest’s Edge: Boar and Warthog Tusks
Though smaller in scale, the curved tusks of wild boars and warthogs have also been utilized in crafts throughout history. Prehistoric peoples used them for adornments and tools. In later periods, their unique curvature was often incorporated into the design of objects, such as handles for daggers or small decorative elements. The material is hard and durable, though the size limits its application to smaller items or components within a larger piece.
A Tapestry Woven Through Time: Ivory in Historical Crafts
The journey of tooth ivory through human history is a fascinating reflection of cultural development, trade, and artistic expression. From the earliest utilitarian objects to sophisticated works of art, its presence is undeniable.
Whispers from Prehistory
Long before civilizations rose and fell, early humans recognized the potential of animal teeth and tusks. While mammoth ivory was prominent in Paleolithic art, such as the famous Venus figurines, smaller teeth from other animals were also shaped into beads, pendants, and simple tools. These items likely held symbolic or spiritual significance beyond their practical use, representing a connection to the animal world or prowess in hunting.
The Flourishing of Norse Craft
The Viking Age saw a remarkable flourishing in the use of walrus ivory. Limited access to elephant ivory made the Arctic walrus tusk the premier carving material in Northern Europe. Archaeological finds from this era include not only the Lewis Chessmen but also elaborately carved croziers, reliquary boxes, and personal adornments. The distinctive appearance of walrus ivory, with its mottled core, became a hallmark of Norse artistic identity, its trade routes extending deep into Europe and the Near East.
Walrus ivory was a significant trade commodity for Norse settlers in Greenland, often referred to as “white gold.” This material was highly prized in medieval Europe, used for luxury goods and ecclesiastical items. The distinct, marbled core of a walrus tusk is a key identifier for differentiating it from elephant ivory.
The Intricate World of Japanese Netsuke
In Edo period Japan (1603-1868), small, masterfully carved toggles called netsuke became an essential part of traditional attire. As kimonos lacked pockets, personal items were carried in small pouches (sagemono) suspended from the sash (obi) by a cord, with the netsuke acting as a counterweight. While wood was common, ivory – including elephant, walrus, and occasionally boar or whale tooth – was a favored material for its smooth texture, workability, and ability to hold fine detail. Netsuke carvers created miniature masterpieces depicting figures, animals, and scenes from folklore, each a tiny sculpture of incredible skill.
Scrimshaw: Art Born of the Sea
The 19th century was the golden age of whaling, and with it came the unique folk art of scrimshaw. Sailors on long, arduous voyages turned to the teeth of sperm whales as a canvas. Using simple tools like sail needles, they would etch designs into the polished surface, then rub ink or soot into the lines to make them visible. Common motifs included whaling scenes, ships, patriotic symbols, and portraits of loved ones. Scrimshaw pieces, ranging from individual teeth to corset busks and pie crimpers made of panbone, are highly valued today as historical records and unique artistic expressions.
The Artisan’s Touch: Working with Tooth Ivory
Crafting objects from animal teeth required considerable skill and an understanding of the material’s properties. Ivory is relatively soft compared to stone but harder and more durable than wood. It can be sawn, carved, drilled, turned on a lathe, and polished to a high luster.
The initial preparation involved cleaning and sometimes bleaching the tooth. Artisans would then select sections based on the grain and size required for their intended piece. Fine-toothed saws, chisels, gouges, files, and drills were the primary tools. The carving process was often painstaking, especially for intricate details or delicate openwork. Engraving or incising lines, as seen in scrimshaw or for inlay preparation, demanded a steady hand. Finally, polishing with fine abrasives like sharkskin or powdered pumice would bring out the ivory’s natural sheen, enhancing its warmth and beauty.
Different ivories presented unique challenges. Walrus ivory’s dense outer layer contrasted with its softer, speckled core, requiring careful planning by the carver. The curvature of boar tusks often dictated the form of the final object. The density of hippo ivory allowed for extremely fine detail but was also harder to work than some other types.
The Enduring Appeal and Evolving Perspectives
The allure of ivory objects stemmed from several factors. Their creamy white to yellowish hue, smooth texture, and warm feel to the touch were aesthetically pleasing. Ivory’s durability meant that crafted items could last for centuries, becoming heirlooms and historical artifacts. Furthermore, the exotic origins of much ivory, sourced from distant lands or formidable creatures, imbued it with a sense of rarity and prestige, making it a symbol of wealth and power across many cultures.
Historically, the use of animal teeth in crafts was widespread and largely unquestioned, seen as a resourceful use of animal byproducts or a testament to human dominion over nature. Artisans transformed these materials into objects of beauty, utility, and spiritual significance, leaving behind a legacy that offers invaluable insights into past societies, their beliefs, and their artistic capabilities. Understanding this historical context is crucial when viewing these artifacts today, appreciating the craftsmanship while acknowledging the shift in global consciousness regarding wildlife conservation. The historical narrative of ivory in craft is complex, reflecting both humanity’s creative spirit and its evolving relationship with the natural world.
