Ivory, a material derived from the tusks of certain mammals, most notably elephants, has a long and complex history intertwined with art, culture, and commerce. But what is ivory exactly, and why has it become such a controversial substance? This article delves into the nature of ivory, its historical uses, the evolution of the ivory trade, and the ethical concerns surrounding its modern-day implications.
Ivory has been prized for centuries due to its unique properties. It’s durable yet easily carved, possessing a smooth texture and a creamy white color that can be polished to a lustrous shine. These qualities have made it a sought-after material for creating decorative objects, sculptures, musical instruments, and even practical items like billiard balls and piano keys.
Alt text: Close-up of elephant tusks, showcasing the ivory material and texture.
The Historical Significance of Ivory
The use of ivory dates back to ancient civilizations. In ancient Rome, elephants were hunted not only for their ivory but also for use in gladiatorial contests and as war animals. The demand for ivory eventually led to the extinction of the North African elephant in the 4th century, temporarily halting the ivory trade.
However, the trade soon resumed, with ivory being transported from West and East Africa to the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe around 500 years later. From the 1500s onwards, advancements in technology, coupled with the establishment of trade routes and colonies, triggered an explosion in the ivory trade.
Historically, within African societies, ivory held a specific significance. Its use was often limited to individuals of high social standing, serving as a symbol of power and wealth. Ivory carving was a specialized craft, producing items exclusively for the elite.
The Evolution of the Ivory Trade
The 19th century witnessed a dramatic shift in the ivory trade. Increased global demand led to widespread elephant hunting, pushing elephant populations towards dangerous levels. While diseases like sleeping sickness initially limited foreign hunters’ ability to venture deep into Africa, technological, scientific, and medical advancements in the 1800s removed these barriers, leading to a significant decline in elephant numbers.
Alt text: Intricate African ivory carvings displayed as a symbol of wealth and status.
Despite the implementation of laws in the early 1900s aimed at curbing hunting, licenses remained accessible to the wealthy, and the ivory trade persisted. Throughout the 20th century, further legislation was enacted to combat the trade, and currently, commercial ivory trade is illegal in most African countries, with exceptions for Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia under specific export license requirements.
Legal Complexities and the Modern Ivory Trade
The international sale of ivory was banned in 1989 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, domestic trade remained legal in many countries. In recent years, countries like the US, France, the UK, China, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Singapore have implemented stricter domestic laws regarding ivory trade.
The issue is further complicated by exemptions for antique ivory (pre-1947), pre-convention worked ivory, and raw ivory, creating loopholes that can be exploited to sell illegally sourced new ivory. This complexity causes confusion among consumers and law enforcement, and provides a cover for laundering illegal ivory.
Despite restrictions, the illegal ivory trade remains a lucrative business. It’s estimated to be worth approximately US $23 billion worldwide each year. This illegal trade primarily relies on poaching, with poachers often employing sophisticated tactics such as artificially aging ivory to circumvent laws.
Ethical Considerations: Elephants and the Pain of Ivory Harvesting
A crucial ethical consideration is the immense suffering inflicted upon elephants during ivory harvesting. Elephants are typically killed for their tusks, though death is not always immediate. Elephant tusks are deeply rooted incisors containing nerve endings, akin to human teeth. Removing a tusk without anesthesia is excruciatingly painful.
Alt text: A de-tusked elephant standing in a natural habitat, highlighting the brutality of ivory poaching.
Cutting off an elephant’s tusks exposes nerve endings, which can easily become infected, leading to a slow and agonizing death. The pain and suffering inflicted on these intelligent and sentient creatures underscore the ethical imperative to eliminate the ivory trade completely.
Conclusion
Ivory’s allure stems from its beauty and versatility, yet its history is marred by exploitation and cruelty. While regulations and bans aim to curb the trade, loopholes and illegal poaching continue to threaten elephant populations. Understanding what is ivory – its history, uses, and, most importantly, its ethical implications – is crucial to supporting conservation efforts and ending the demand that fuels the destruction of these magnificent animals. By raising awareness and supporting stricter regulations, we can strive to protect elephants and preserve their future.
