Africa and Asia have been exporting ivory since the 14th century BCE, a time when millions of elephants still roamed Africa and some parts of the Far East. Elephant ivory has always been a favorite material for various items and for centuries, it was a symbol of wealth in many cultures.

According to records, Greeks from as far back as 1600 BC loved the luxury commodity and incorporated it in their furniture. The pharaohs of Egypt, the rest of Africa, Europe, India, America, and Asia also value and appreciate ivory. This beautiful material was used for gaming tables, portrait miniatures, antique barometers, picture frames, and even silverware. It was and still is a thing of beauty despite the way it was harvested.

By the 1980s, poaching and illegal trade of this particular commodity experienced a boom, leaving only 600,000 African elephants by 1989. African states led by Zimbabwe started the debate regarding the trade and by January in the year 1990, despite opposition from other nations in the continent, international trade of elephant ivory was banned. Antique ivory still exists today and its sale is still legal as objects made from it were created decades or even centuries ago. With ivory being a part of shared heritage between nations and continents, cultural objects made from the material are not only valuable but are also protected for their historical value. In the United Kingdom, for example, a beautiful Walpole Cabinet made from rosewood and ivory is showcased at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The cabinet was made by William Hallett in 1743. Jacobus Agnesius’ The Flagellation of Christ is another item made from ivory that gained contemporary popularity in 2016. During this year, this carving was sold for over $1 million.

Those who would like to purchase antique ivory can talk to dealers from around the world because buying pre-1947 items with ivory such as pianos, furniture, and portrait miniatures is still possible. The items that you can buy is largely dependent on the laws of the country you are in though along with the laws of the country of origin.

In the United States, owning an heirloom carving made from ivory is legal as they are not a threat to wildlife. However, if you are planning to buy ivory from Africa, it is a good idea to take a look at the Endangered Species Act or talk to a dealer that you trust.