MAMMOTH IVORY

This Ivory varies in color like the fossil walrus ivory. Colors are contingent on minerals the tusk has been exposed to over the centuries. We know it is at least 10,000 years old because that is when the prehistoric elephant disappeared. ike the elephant of today, the ivory has a criss-cross pattern. Both Natives and non-natives can carve it.

NEW WALRUS IVORY

New ivory has three layers just like human teeth; an outer (enamel), middle (dentine) and inner core. A talented Native artist will use all three layers in a carving and make it one of a ind. It will sometimes have thin black lines, which are natural and acceptable in the art work. The "breathing cracks" as they are called, result from abrupt changes temperature when the walrus moves from warm rock haulouts to cold sea water. New walrus ivory can only be carved by an Alaskan native. The resulting scuptures can be bought, sold and transported by anyone. The Eskimo people only hunt for food, then use the by-products for clothing, shelter and art. In that order. Harvesting of new ivory is carefully watched by the Fish & Wildlife Service.

Go to U.S. Fish & Wildlife fact sheet