Trace the deadly history of the illegal ivory trade. Throughout history, the human desire for ivory—used in products from jewelry to piano keys to priceless religious art objects—has far outmatched efforts to stop the killing of African elephants for their tusks.
Traditionally used to create ornaments and art of cultural value, humans have turned ivory into everything from piano keys to hip replacements. But it’s also a rare commodity that’s been harvested to finance wars and reducing African elephant populations.
Ivory is a hard, white material derived from the tusks and teeth of elephants. It has been used for centuries to create jewelry and other works of art, as well as religious artifacts, musical instruments, and even weapons. African elephant ivory is particularly prized, due to its unique coloration.