Ivory

Ivory is a hard white material made from the tusks and teeth of animals. The word is derived from the ancient Egyptian abu (elephant). It has been the important material since the ancient times. It consists of dentine which is a tissue similar to the bone. Elephant tusks has been the most important ivory source followed by many other animals like hippos, walrus, pig, elk, sperm whale and narwal. This has led to massive killing of these animals resulting in their declining state. Ivory is used mainly for the art works, to make precious religious objects and decorative boxes. It is also used to make the white eyes of the statues. Different countries and different civilizations use it on different purpose. It has been used as the souvenir as well as jewelry items as well. Ivory now has been replaced by the plastics as an alternative.