An Ivory Education

The Ivory Carver

 

A Blog by

LeeC

Owner/Artist

Mammoth Ivory Creations

Est. 1987

 

As a Fossil Ivory Carver, more specifically, a Fossil  Mammoth Ivory Carver, I feel that there are a lot of subjects that I could write about, but, after a great deal of thought, I have come to the conclusion that an education about Fossil Ivory is the best place to start this blog.

 

As an artist, I sometimes participate in the show circuit, and I have come to understand that 98% of American’s have no clue, as to what Mammoth Ivory actually is.

 

No, Mammoths are not an aquatic marine mammal.

No, they are not on the endangered species list, either.

No, deer do not have Ivory antlers. 

No, they don’t live in California, at least not that I am aware of….

 

And the questions go on and on.

 

  I have figured out, that my main job, as an Ivory Carver/Artist, at a show, is educating the public.

 

  It is sad to say is, but the only thing most American’s know about Mammoth Ivory, is that it’s illegal to own. There could be nothing further from the truth.

 

  The bad part about this misinformation is, that if we don’t find it, preserve it, and use it,  we may loose it for ever.

 

 Why? You ask…

 

  Well, it’s like this;

  

            Fossil  Mammoth and Mastodon Ivory is preserved in the permafrost layers of soil that it lays in.  When exposed to the air in moist areas, for any length of time, it decomposes.

 

  A tusk’s outer area is called the “Bark”.  This layer is made up of dentin layers which I believe is closely related to the enamel on our teeth.  Enabling it to withstand (for a period of time) the freezing and thawing and exposure in arctic conditions.

 

  However the interior of the tusk has no dentin layer and when exposed to severe climate changes, quickly turns into a chalk like substance and becomes part of the soil.

 

  Lost forever.

 

I have lived in the arctic region most of my life, and have seen first hand what global warming is all about.

 

  I have seen buildings sink as the permafrost melts out from underneath them.

  I have seen winters in the arctic, that are milder then any in recorded history.

  I have seen coastal lands swallowed by rising seas,  and lose of massive ice shelves along the coast.

 

 I believe, that within my life time, there may no longer be any permafrost to preserve the Mammoth and Mastodon Ivory, and I  feel that it is my job, as a Fossil Ivory Carver, to educate people and make them aware, that this Ivory is an abundant natural resource, that we may be loosing,

 

 and no it not illegal,…  It’s Beautiful.

 

 

Next issue:   Mini Mammoth’s….Really ?????

 

For More info on Mammoth Ivory Creations follow the links to our store.  Head to this site click on Stores in the browser area.

 

   

Mammoth Ivory Creations