Mammoth Tusk & Ivory

Mammoths, an extinct genus of elephants, have left their ancient legacy dating back around 5 million years, while the last of these majestic creatures vanished approximately 10,000 years ago. With towering heights of up to 5.5 meters and a weight of 10-12 tons, mammoths dwarfed the modern African elephants, making them remarkable giants of the past. Their impressive tusks could reach lengths of up to 4 meters, weighing as much as 110 kg.

Mammoth ivory, as a material, possesses remarkable strength compared to elephant ivory and showcases a fascinating array of colors resulting from gradual mineralization – from a lustrous milky white to delicate pinkish hues and even deep blue-violet tones. Both mammoth and elephant ivory have been esteemed for ages, serving as the foundation for crafting exquisite and valuable items, including ornate boxes, elegant tobacco pipes, intricately sculpted figurines, exquisite chess sets, elegant combs, charming bracelets, and exquisite women’s jewelry.

In recent times, with the complete ban on elephant ivory sales due to poaching concerns, the attention has shifted to the harvesting of mammoth ivory. The primary source of this “exotic” material lies in the northern regions of Russia, such as Northern Siberia and Yakutia, where the timeless permafrost preserves these ancient treasures in their unspoiled state, offering a unique resource for artistic and artisanal endeavors.