Ivory is a
hard, white material from the tusks (traditionally elephants') and teeth of
animals, that consists mainly of dentine, one of the physical structures of
teeth and tusks. The chemical structure of the teeth and tusks of mammals is
the same, regardless of the species of origin. The trade in certain teeth and
tusks other than elephant is well established and widespread; therefore,
"ivory" can correctly be used to describe any mammalian teeth or
tusks of commercial interest which are large enough to be carved or scrimshawed.
Ivory has
been valued since ancient times in art or manufacturing for making a range of
items from ivory carvings to false teeth, piano keys, fans, and dominoes. Elephant ivory is the most important source,
but ivory from mammoth, walrus, hippopotamus, sperm whale, killer whale,
narwhal and warthog are used as well. Elk also have two ivory teeth, which are
believed to be the remnants of tusks from their ancestors.
Roman writer
in the 3rd century claimed that the Celtic peoples in Ireland would decorate
their sword-hilts with the 'teeth of beasts that swim in the sea'. Adomnan of
Iona wrote a story about St Columba giving a sword decorated with carved ivory
as a gift that a penitent would bring to his master so he could redeem himself
from slavery.
he Chinese
have long valued ivory for both art and utilitarian objects. Southeast Asian kingdoms included tusks of the
Indian elephant in their annual tribute caravans to China. Chinese craftsmen
carved ivory to make everything from images of deities to the pipe stems and
end pieces of opium pipes.
The Buddhist
cultures of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia,
traditionally harvested ivory from their domesticated elephants. Ivory was
prized for containers due to its ability to keep an airtight seal. It was also
commonly carved into elaborate seals utilized by officials to "sign"
documents and decrees by stamping them with their unique official seal
Ivory A
symbol of incorruptibility purity rank and protection.
The
symbolism of aloofness example the ivory top tower probably derives from the
high status of ivory at almost all ancient cultures. Elephant or walrus ivory
was credited with healing powers of East. It's Christian Association with
purity and in particular with the Virgin Mary are linked to its whiteness.
Ivory is
linked to trade in many areas of the world
In the
ancient Kingdom of Benin the artist were
world renown for the skill and craft with ivory.
In Greek myth
Ivory represented the idea of false dreams, or fancies that would not come
true. Versus the gate of horn which was
truth.
Socrates:
"Listen then," I said, "to my dream, to see whether it comes
through horn or through ivory."
(c. AD 400)
epic poet Nonnus:
As Morpheus
slept, the vision of a dream cajoled him,
beguiling
his mind after flitting through the gates of ivory.
Virgil’s the
Aenid.
Two gates
the silent house of Sleep adorn;
Of polish'd
ivory this, that of transparent horn:
True visions
thro' transparent horn arise;
Thro'
polish'd ivory pass deluding lies.
Of various
things discoursing as he pass'd,
Anchises
hither bends his steps at last.
Then, thro'
the gate of iv'ry, he dismiss'd
His valiant
offspring and divining guest.
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