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Why did 19th-century artists create forgeries of older ivory carvings?

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Inupiat shaman's figure. — ivory carving Kinugumiut Inupiat incised walrus ivory shaman's figure, c. 1890; in the National Museum of the American Indian, George Gustav Heye Center, Smithsonian Institution, New York City.

In the 19th century, ivory carving saw a resurgence in prominence primarily because artists began producing forgeries of older, more valuable ivory objects. This trend was driven by the market's demand for historical pieces, which encouraged the creation of imitations to satisfy collectors.12

While ivory had been used for centuries to create both religious and utilitarian items, by the late 18th century, such carvings were often viewed merely as quaint decorative objects. As the 19th century progressed, the production of these forgeries became a significant focus for carvers, who sought to replicate the aesthetic and value of antique works. This practice was part of a broader phenomenon in the visual arts where the emergence of interest in specific historical styles or newly discovered antiquities frequently triggered a flood of fraudulent reproductions to meet commercial demand.12