Care and Handling of Ivory Objects

Care and Handling of Ivory Objects
Source: Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute

Ivory – as distinguished from bone, antler or horn – includes the tusks and the unusually large or projecting teeth of animals such as elephant, walrus and several species of whale. It consists of dentine, made up of components which are both organic (to provide the capacity for growth and repair) and inorganic (to provide rigidity and strength).