About Our Ivory
At Whale Ivory Sales, we are committed to offering only ethically sourced, legal, and historically rich ivory materials. Every piece we work with comes from a verifiable and protected origin — never from endangered species or modern poaching. Our collection features ancient, fossilized, and legal ivory sources, each with a unique story shaped by time, nature, and indigenous heritage.
Ancient Woolly Mammoth Ivory
Woolly mammoth tusk ivory is one of the primary materials used in our artwork for over three decades. This ancient ivory, preserved for up to 100,000 years, was buried deep in Arctic permafrost following the extinction of the woolly mammoth at the end of the last Ice Age.
Although aged, this ivory is not petrified. Its preservation in frozen soil means the tusks have retained their organic structure — a rare and beautiful material shaped by both nature and time. The rich hues and patterns you see are the result of natural minerals seeping into the ivory over centuries.
Most of our mammoth ivory is ethically excavated from the Siberian tundra, where the cold and dry climate has perfectly preserved these prehistoric relics. Each tusk unearthed offers a glimpse into Earth’s ancient past — and a medium through which timeless art is created.
Ancient Fossil Walrus Tusk Ivory
Fossil walrus ivory — also referred to more accurately as ancient walrus ivory — ranges from 500 to 3,000 years old. Sourced respectfully from native lands across Alaska and the Bering Sea region, it is primarily excavated by indigenous communities such as the coastal Yupik people.
Each tusk tells a story, with unique colors and textures influenced by the surrounding earth and minerals where it lay buried. Historically, these tusks were vital to native survival — crafted into tools, weapons, toys, and ceremonial items.
By working with these communities, we ensure this ivory is legally acquired, supports traditional practices, and preserves the cultural and natural heritage of the Arctic.
Whale Ivory
Whale tooth ivory, most notably from the sperm whale and killer whale, is unmistakable in shape and density. Typically ranging from 10 to 25 cm in length, whale teeth are often used whole in their natural form, making them a signature material in traditional scrimshaw.
These ivories feature an outer layer of cementum and, occasionally, hard enamel at the tip. We source our whale ivory from legally obtained and historically significant specimens, ensuring that all materials comply with federal regulations.
Vegetable Ivory (Tagua Nuts)
Tagua nuts, also known as vegetable ivory, are the seeds of the South American ivory palm. Made entirely from cellulose, these hard, smooth seeds have been used as a natural ivory substitute for centuries — especially for buttons, carvings, and small ornaments.
Vegetable ivory takes dye well, polishes beautifully, and is an environmentally sustainable material. Though largely replaced by plastic after WWII, we continue to appreciate its traditional uses and natural charm.
A Note on Elephant Ivory
A Note on Elephant Ivory
The African elephant is listed as endangered and strictly protected under international and U.S. law. As of June 9, 1989, all imports of African elephant ivory into the United States are banned.
We do not sell or work with African elephant ivory. Any reference to ivory we use strictly applies to fossil, ancient, or legal non-elephant sources such as mammoth, walrus, or whale. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses a method called the Schreger Line Test to distinguish mammoth from elephant ivory — and we adhere to all standards to ensure compliance.
Visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website
Our Commitment to Legal and Ethical Sourcing
We strictly follow the regulations set by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which governs international trade of protected species. While CITES oversees global trade between countries, it does not regulate domestic sales — which is why we take extra care to ensure every item we offer is fully compliant and documented.