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Why is ivory trade important?
For hundreds of years, ivory has been considered a valuable material. It has been used to make things like jewellery, combs, piano keys and religious ornaments. Even today, people like to buy ivory products for a number of different reasons.
Why was ivory exported from Africa?
Elephant ivory has been exported from Africa and Asia for millennia with records going back to the 14th century BCE. The ivory was used for piano keys, billiard balls and other expressions of exotic wealth.
Why is elephant ivory desired?
Hunting for Ivory Ivory poaching for tusks is the main reason that elephants have been so heavily hunted. Elephant ivory has been used in huge amounts to make billiards balls, piano keys, identification chops and many other items for human enjoyment.
How does ivory trade affect the environment?
In conclusion, the desire of people to consume ivory products is leading to the poaching of elephants, which finally causes the species to become extinct. Consequently, it gives rise to the devastating decline of forests and harming herbivorous animals as elephants helps to maintain grassland.
What is ivory used for in Africa?
Ivory was also exported as a raw material, and became popular for mass-produced objects such as piano keys, billiard balls, knife handles, jewelry, and other novelties.
Who started the ivory trade?
European Traders and Explorers (1500-1800) As Portuguese navigators began exploring the West African coastline in the 1400s, they soon entered into the lucrative ivory trade, and other European sailors were not far behind.
What was ivory used for in Europe?
Rapid prosperity in both Europe and North America had led to an increase in demand for ivory to make piano keys, billiard balls, knife handles, and ornamental carvings.
What does ivory symbolize?
Mankind has revered ivory as a symbol of chastity, opulence and virtue since very early in history. Early carvers worked with the tusks of mastodon, mammoth, rhino, hippo, walrus, narwhal and modern elephants.