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Ivory & Vegetable Ivory
The term ivory has traditionally been used to refer to the hard, white or creamy colored material of elephant or mammoth tusks, but it can also be used to describe the tusks of a walrus or other similar animals. Most ivory trade is illegal, so innovative craftspeople make ivory jewelry by recycling vintage ivory or by using botanical substitutes for it.
Identifying Different Types of Ivory
Find out exactly what ivory is and read about the many different types and their sources.
Scrimshaw FAQs
What is scrimshaw and where did it originate? What tools are necessary to make scrimshaw art? Isn't ivory illegal? Find the answers to these questions and more, including an explanation of the authors scrimshaw designs etched on a botanical medium.
Vegetable Ivory & Other Palm Nuts/Seeds - Arts & Crafts
Research that describes several types of palm seeds used as ivory substitutes. It's a little technical, but very informative. By Eugene T. Doren for the International Palm Society. This photo illustrates some of the seeds described in the article.
Vegetable Ivory - Saving Elephants and the Rain Forest
Growing plants produce beautiful ivory substitutes. They will be an ongoing source for artisans if care is taken in harvesting. Wayne's Word shares with us an interesting article and photos of numerous types.
What is Scrimshaw?
Learn more about the North American craft of etching on ivory and bone.