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The board might be interested in this introductory explanation of ivory, ivory scrimshaw, etc.
If you want to join the Ivory Society (free) and get their
newsletters, email Bob Weisblut President, International Ivory Society, ivorysoc@digizen.net.
(Incidentally, the "Robert" is in the email reproduced below is not me; it is the president of the
Society.)
Robert
MannIvoryMann@aol.com wrote:
IIS NEWSLETTER 2000-91
THE INQUIRY:
Subject:
Re: Hi! Can I interview Robert (online) for www.discovery.com?
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 08:23:51 EDT
Hi Rob!
Ok, here we go. Just a note: I want to focus on the art and craft of ivory
carving and its history. However, I do think I need to talk a bit about the
legalities of ivory and what's happening these days in the world market for
the product. You'll see the question.
1. When did you start the International Ivory Society, and why?
2. How many members do you have? Who are they (in general)?
3. What is it about ivory that people love?
4. What are "netsuke" and "scrimshaw?"
5. I've been reading about the 1989 ban, which was a result of massive
poaching and possible extinction of elephants in certain African countries.
However, it seems some countries want to end the ban as elephants are now
almost overpopulated. In fact, I saw some photos from a British newspaper
where there were TONS of elephant tusks stockpiled (gathered from natural
means as elephants died) which could not be sold. Worth millions, apparently.
Also, some people feel the ban actually resulted in more poaching. Any
thoughts?
6. Where does "new" ivory come from given the ban? Is it recycled (such as
from old gun handles, etc.). On eBay, I saw a lot of Colt revolver handles
for sale... Also, could you talk about ice melt and how that turns up ivory.
7. In your opinion, what are the most beautiful ivory artifacts? OK, I think
that's plenty! I know I'm asking a lot so if you want to skip anything or
feel this is taking too long, I understand! I will also be contacting some of
your members (carvers, restorers) just to get an idea of what they do as far
as tools, techniques and whatnot. Thanks much! Cathy Grubman writer,
Discovery Communications
THE ANSWER:
INTERNATIONAL IVORY SOCIETY- The IIS was started five years ago. I had
began
collecting ivory, but really didn't know a lot about it. I could find no
existing organization to join, so along with a friend, we started one
ourselves. The idea was to share information on all aspects of ivory, i.e.,
how to identify ivory and ivory substitutes; to track current prices around
the country; how to learn of books on the subject; to learn of upcoming
auctions and sales; to make contact with people who had skills as an
appraiser, carver, restorer, scrimshander, or who were collectors and
dealers. Since its inception there have been over 500 hundred members mostly
in the USA. We network through free newsletters and at meetings.
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT IVORY- People have had an attraction to ivory since the
beginning of time. There are pictures of mammoths drawn on mammoth tusks. The
earliest human portrait was made 30,000 years ago out of mammoth ivory. There
are even ivory carvings attributed to Neanderthals. It has been regarded as a
"special" substance by every society on every continent throughout the ages.
Even today it is the second most valuable organic material (after pearl).
Ivory is by definition the dentine portion of the teeth of mammals. However,
for commercial purposes only the largest teeth and tusks are used. This
includes tusks of elephants, mammoths and walrus, and the teeth of whales,
and hippos. To a much smaller extent boar and warthog tusks are utilize.
Ivory is "special" for a variety of reasons. First of all it is in limited
supply and historically difficult to get. It lends itself well to carving as
the oils contained within provide a high luster to the polish. It maintains
its integrity even when much material is carved away, and absorbs inks, oils,
and stains. It can be used in conjunction with wood, gold, silver, bronze,
jewels, and many other substances.
NETSUKE- In areas where clothing was without pockets it was customary to
carry small personal items from a belt worn around the waist. A short string
was attached to the purse, medicine box, or tobacco container and on the
other end was a toggle. The use probably began in China during the Ming
dynasty. They were introduced into Japan about the end of the 16th century.
At first they were called KARAMONO meaning Chinese things. Eventually the
Japanese transformed then into NETSUKE.
Originally a utilitarian object made of wood, ivory, horn, and root, they had
to be without sharp edges and to feel comfortable. After the Japanese began
to wear Western style clothing netsuke became objects of art and were
designed for viewing and collecting. Few netsuke left Japan before 1854, then
when the Shogun was disposed in 1868, thousands of the finest left the
country and ended up in private collections in the West.
SCRIMSHAW: The exact origin of the word scrimshaw is unknown. It is a
primarily American art first practiced by sailors on whaling ships. About
1815 Sailors began to help pass the long boring hours aboard ship by carving
and engraving pictures on whale teeth, whale bone, and other kinds of ivory
such as walrus that they traded for with local natives.
Not being trained in art, most copied pictures in the magazines of that time,
or drew maritime themes of things they saw during their journeys. The lines
were incised with pocket knives or nails and then stained with soot, India
ink, or anything else available.
Interest in scrimshaw declined after the turn of the century. It was revived
due to President Kennedy's interest. This started a whole new generation of
scrimshanders. Workers in Bellingham, WA introduced the use of full color and
new tools.
POACHING- Poaching of the African elephant resulted in its being added in
1989 to the already existing ban placed on the Asian elephant in 1972. This
ban was through an international treaty known as CITES (Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna). It has been
very effective in stopping the movement between countries of parts (ivory and
hide) of the elephants and thereby reducing poaching. As a result some herds
have recovered. South Africa, which has an overpopulation of elephants, is
exporting whole live families to other countries to help them restore their
elephant herds, and CITES has given permission to 4 countries to make a sale
of warehoused ivory to Japan. The real danger or threat to ivory producing
animals now is more from disappearing natural habitat and degradation of the
environment.
There are also a number of federal and state laws regarding ivory. None
prohibit people from collecting ivory already in the country before the ban.
So, there is plenty of legal ivory on the market. Prices have in fact
declined in recent years.
NEW IVORY- Much ivory was warehoused prior to the ban and all present needs
can be met. In addition there is no ban on hippo, boar, or warthog. Much
mammoth ivory is recovered each year and much of it is still in perfect
condition having been frozen in ice. It is estimated that as many as
10,000,000 mammoths were frozen in the ice covering Siberia and Alaska. Each
spring as the ice further recedes, the tusks become exposed and can be
recovered. If each mammoth had two tusks weighing 100 pounds (some were as
heavy as 350 pounds), then there is potentially one billion pounds or 500,000
tons of ivory available from this one source.
BEAUTYFUL ARTIFACTS: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I personally like
the better European, Japanese, and Chinese carvings. Others prefer African,
Indian, Eskimoâ€|. Still others collect examples of utilitarian objects such as
game pieces, card cases, knife and tool handles, boxes, S&P shakers, fans,
tankards, canes, jewelry, etc.
You can use anything on our website. Our membership is free. Please credit
Bob Weisblut President, International Ivory Society, ivorysoc@digizen.net.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS
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