Far East Décorave

Ivory: African Gold

For more several millennia, ivory has been a prized commodity throughout the natural world, valued for its sheen and pure coloring.  Ivory is derived from the tusks of bull elephants (and occasionally other large animals), and in the past elephants were hunted near to extinction for their precious ivory.  The famous novel by Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness, details the corruption, desperation, and savagery that followed the hunt for ivory in Africa.  Myths were also perpetuated about legendary caches of ivory known as elephant graveyards; locations that elder elephants would instinctively seek out right before death. 

The lore surrounding the acquisition of ivory is quite substantial, and though the means through which it is acquired now are often more natural and humane, it is still quite sought after amongst various circles.  Blades with ivory handles, ivory sculptures, and ivory jewelry are renowned throughout the world for their exquisiteness.