Ivory and Materials
Woolly Mamoth Tusks
I am a purist choosing to remain true to tradition by only engraving on natural materials. This includes several types of ivory (definition: mammal tooth)and a variety of other materials that are legally obtained, and do not endanger any living species.
Wooly Mammoth Tusk—This is by far my favorite ivory. The fact that it is at least 10.000, possibly 80,000, years old, makes each work of art not only an heirloom but an artifact. It has been buried in the permafrost of Alaska and Siberia where it picked up rich cream, brown and even blue hues from the minerals in the frozen earth. It can be engrave it because It has not been ‘petrified’ or ‘fossilized’, only preserved. It is completely legal and carries no restrictions for commercial purposes.
Wooly Mammoth Tusk—This is by far my favorite ivory. The fact that it is at least 10.000, possibly 80,000, years old, makes each work of art not only an heirloom but an artifact. It has been buried in the permafrost of Alaska and Siberia where it picked up rich cream, brown and even blue hues from the minerals in the frozen earth. It can be engrave it because It has not been ‘petrified’ or ‘fossilized’, only preserved. It is completely legal and carries no restrictions for commercial purposes.
Fossil Walrus Tusks
Fossil Walrus Tusk -- approximately 2000 to 3000 years old and is quite distinctive with its oval shape and brown colors. Although walrus are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the fossil tusk is legal to obtain and sell.
Ostrich Eggs
Other Materials--Sperm Whale Teeth—This was the material most often used by the original Yankee scrimshanders. The teeth were a byproduct of the whaling industry and had no commercial value at the time. Since 1973, the whales have been on the endangered species list and covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The laws are complicated and vary state by state. I don’t sell engraved whale teeth but I can engrave on whale teeth owned by others. Ox Bone makes an interesting engraving surface that is not too porous and brittle, as is most bone. I have knives and boxes made from this material. Other materials I have used: Ostrich eggs , antler, and tagua nut (aka vegetable ivory) .
Legacy Ivory
Legacy ivory –The question that I am most often asked--isn’t ivory illegal? The answer is yes and no. Elephant Ivory can no longer be imported into the US but any ivory that was in the country prior to 1989 is perfectly legal. My legacy ivory is most often antique billiard balls (which were made exclusively of ivory before plastic was invented), and old piano keys, which we make into mosaics. The balls are a particular challenge to engrave because of the curved surface and old cracks.
