TUSK

Object/Artifact

-

St. Joseph Museums

The image displays a large, curved ivory-like object resembling a tusk resting on a gray surface; its surface is smooth with subtle natural variations in color, ranging from pale cream to light tan, and the object is secured with a white string and a small, attached tag that bears the numbers "414" and "10429." Positioned below the tusk is a metallic ruler with clear centimeter markings from one to fifteen, providing a sense of scale and indicating that the tusk is approximately fifteen centimeters in length. The overall composition and lighting emphasize the tusk's smooth texture and gentle curvature, creating a natural, organic appearance.

The image displays a large, curved ivory-like object resembling a tusk resting on a gray surface; its surface is smooth with subtle natural variations in color, ranging from pale cream to light tan, and the object is secured with a white string and a small, attached tag that bears the numbers "414" and "10429." Positioned below the tusk is a metallic ruler with clear centimeter markings from one to fifteen, providing a sense of scale and indicating that the tusk is approximately fifteen centimeters in length. The overall composition and lighting emphasize the tusk's smooth texture and gentle curvature, creating a natural, organic appearance.

Name/Title

TUSK

Entry/Object ID

414/10429

Made/Created

Place

Continent

Africa

Lexicon

Legacy Lexicon

Object Name

TUSK

Parts

Count

1

Material

ELEPHANT TUSK

Condition

Overall Condition

Good

Research Notes

Research Type

Researcher

Notes

Ivory was a significant export item for African kingdoms, as it was highly sought after around the world. The structure of African ivory in particular makes it a highly desirable material for art, as it can be incised, cut, carved, chiseled, etc from almost any angle without weakening the overall structure. The historical use of ivory in Africa was limited, usually to individual of high status. The hunting of elephants was limited to highly trained and specialized hunters (it is thought that the Dahomey Amazons were first formed as elite elephant hunters) and ivory carving was controlled and limited to certain occupations. In Cameroon specifically, where this object was collected, ivory is of profound significance. Elephant tusks are specifically reserved for the Fon (king) and the Kwifon (a powerful secret society). The elephant tusk is representative of the king's connection with the ancestral world and highlights his role as the living link between ancestors and gods. Tusks were used as horns to announce the arrival of the Fon in certain ceremonies.