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Why was ivory used for prestigious African art objects?
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African art
Raffia-fiber cloth, made by the Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century; in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
In African art, ivory is a highly valued medium for several key reasons:
- Aesthetic and Physical Qualities: Ivory is prized for its fine texture, which makes it exceptionally suitable for delicate and intricate sculpture. It is also a durable material that is dense, polishes beautifully, and is easily worked with standard woodworking tools.12
- Symbolism: In many African societies, such as the kingdom of Benin, ivory was deeply symbolic. It represented the strength and wisdom associated with the elephant, while its white color was often interpreted as a sign of purity.3
- Prestige: Because ivory is a rare material, it was frequently employed across various African societies to create items of great prestige. In the kingdom of Benin, for example, carved ivory tusks were used as significant altar objects to commemorate the reigns of the oba (king), serving as both a display of wealth and a historical record of court life.143