Mammoth Ivory: An Ethical Alternative to Elephant Ivory?

Mammoth ivory is the fossilized tusk of the woolly mammoth, a species that disappeared approximately 4,000 years ago. Found in the thawing permafrost of the Arctic, this ancient material is used in art and crafts, sparking conversations about its place in the modern world.

The Nature and Origin of Mammoth Ivory

Mammoth tusks are composed of dentin and grew continuously throughout the animal’s life, forming distinct layers. The core material is considered mammoth ivory, while the rougher, textured outer layer is called “bark.”

Most ancient ivory is discovered in the permafrost regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Siberia, Alaska, and Canada’s Yukon territory. Permafrost is ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, creating ideal preservation conditions. The constant cold has kept the tusks from decaying since the last Ice Age.

Harvesting methods range from opportunistic finds to intensive hydraulic mining, where high-pressure water melts the permafrost to expose tusks. Since the tusks are saturated with moisture from being entombed in ice, they require a prolonged drying process. This can take months or years to prevent the material from cracking.

Distinguishing Mammoth Ivory from Elephant Ivory

A primary method for differentiating between mammoth and elephant ivory is examining the Schreger lines. These are cross-hatch patterns visible in a cross-section of the tusk. In mammoth ivory, the angles at which these lines intersect are acute, measuring less than 90 degrees.

The Schreger angles in elephant ivory are obtuse, measuring more than 115 degrees. This difference is due to the varying density of dentinal tubules in the tusks of each animal.

Other visual cues also help in identification. Mammoth ivory often absorbs minerals from the soil, resulting in coloration like shades of brown, blue, or cream. This is distinct from the uniform creamy-white of modern elephant ivory. The surface of mammoth ivory may also show cracks or a weathered texture from its long burial.

Historical and Contemporary Uses

The use of mammoth ivory by humans dates back to prehistoric times. Early humans crafted it into tools like needles and harpoons due to its durability. It was also a medium for artistic expression, used to carve small sculptures, including the ancient Venus figurines, and other personal adornments.

In the modern era, skilled craftspeople transform mammoth ivory into a variety of items. These include intricate carvings, jewelry, and components for musical instruments. It is also fashioned into pendants, beads, and decorative elements on luxury goods.

The Mammoth Ivory Trade: Legality and Ethics

Since the woolly mammoth is extinct, its ivory is not subject to the same international trade restrictions as elephant ivory under CITES. This means mammoth ivory can be legally bought and sold in most places. However, some countries and states have implemented their own regulations, requiring documentation to verify its origin.

The legal status of mammoth ivory has sparked an ethical debate. Proponents argue that it provides a legitimate alternative to elephant ivory, potentially reducing the demand that drives poaching. The availability of a legal look-alike material could divert consumers away from the illegal market.

Opponents raise concerns that a legal mammoth ivory trade might sustain the overall desire for ivory products. This makes it more difficult to enforce the ban on elephant ivory. There is a risk that illegal elephant ivory could be laundered into the market by being falsely labeled as mammoth ivory.

Some harvesting methods, particularly hydraulic mining, also cause environmental damage. This practice can erode landscapes and release carbon from the thawing permafrost.

Scientific Insights from Mammoth Tusks

Mammoth tusks are also scientific archives. The tusks grew in layers throughout a mammoth’s life, creating a continuous record similar to tree rings. By analyzing the chemical composition of these layers, scientists can reconstruct information about the animal and its environment.

Isotopic analysis of elements within the tusk’s dentin can reveal details about a mammoth’s diet, migration patterns, and health. For example, strontium isotope ratios can be matched to the geology of different regions. This allows researchers to trace an individual mammoth’s movements across Ice Age landscapes.

Well-preserved tusks can also be a source of ancient DNA. This genetic material offers insights into the evolution of mammoths, their population dynamics, and the factors contributing to their extinction. Studying this DNA helps scientists understand how these animals adapted to cold climates.