Ivory has been used since neolithic times and has always been prized and treasured. This is partly because of its rarity, and partly because of its special properties that allow it to be carved and polished. Ivory is the second most valuable organic substance after pearl.
The international Ivory society was founded in 1996 and presently has over 225 members, mostly in the U.S.A. Its purpose is to improve the understanding of ivory as an artistic, decorative, and practical material
Ivory Is Basically Any
Mammalian Teeth
Ivory is basically any mammalian teeth, and is composed of dentine, cementum, and enamel. For commercial purposes only the larger teeth from the elephant, hippo, walrus, boar, warthog, sperm whale, and narwhal, as well as fossil ivory from mammoths, is used.
There are laws in effect internationally and domestically for the endangered species (elephant, walrus, and whales) that restrict trade in these raw ivory products after certain dates. Trade is still legal for fossil ivory, hippo, boar, and warthog. These laws allow for people to own, collect, buy, and sell antique processed ivories as well as ivories up to certain dates. For example, ivory from an elephant produced before 1989 (for African) or 1973 (for Asian) is exempt.
The IIS has a variety of members including: collectors, dealers, carvers, authors, appraisers,
restorers, scrimshanders, and suppliers. With the assistance of the membership directory,
informal networks can be built. These are especially strong in areas ofthe country where local
chapters has formed. This includes Maryland, Florida, and Ohio. Other chapters are in the works.
For most of our history, ivory was in the exclusive possession of the ruling classes and religious leaders. Only in the last 500 years has ivory been available to a larger number of people. During this period, ivory has been made into utilitarian objects and works of art.
Included in ivory's long list of utilitarian objects are: 
fans, combs, knife and sword handles,
rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, earrings, medical instruments, cups and tankards, card
cases, domino and chess sets, picture frames, wine decanters, tea pots, musical instruments,
desk sets, shoe horns, page turners, watch stands, pistol grips, brushpots, vases, billiard
and snooker balls, false teeth, binoculars, pens, snuffbottles, and ship models. And this list
is very partial.
Bob Weisblut, one of the founders, collects Chinese carvings of the 18th-20th centuries. Others collect Eskimo, European, Scrimshaw, Japanese, Netsuke, African and Indian ivories. Some members are specialists who only look for ivory handled medical instruments, miniature animals, raw tusks, or ivory match safes.
Dues for membership in the IIS are $17 a year and include quarterly newsletters, bi-annual conferences, and other. For information call Bob Weisblut on (301) 649-4002 or write to 11109 Nicholas Drive, Wheaten, Md. 20902.
©1998 Southeastern Publishing