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The conservation and restoration of ivory objects is activities dedicated to the preservation and projection of ivory object that have a value either historically or personally. Within institutions of cultural heritage this role is ideally taken on by the conservator.

Ivory is relatively soft and can be worked on with nonmetal tools so it is often carved in decorative object, practical objects, and can be inlaid in other pieces. A popular decorative ivory work is scrimshaw, which is etched ivory with black or colored pigments. Ivory objects have been around since prehistoric times. Its conservation is concerned particularly with the environmental causes of deterioration

Ivory
Ivory is the tusks and unusually large or projected teeth of animals, such as elephants and walruses. It consists of dentin and made up of both organic (for growth and repair) and inorganic (rigidity and strength) components. Due to it being organic and inorganic the ivory is extremely sensitive and reactive

Types of Ivory
Understanding the different types of ivory is important as it can impact the type of conservation and restoration work that is done. It can also determine the materials that should or should not be used on the ivory.

Elephant and Mammoth
Elephant and mammoth ivory comes from the two modified upper incisors. Tusks of some male African elephants can grow up to 2 meters (6 ½ feet) and weigh up to 45 kilograms (100 pounds). The tusks have a pulp cavity where the root and soft tissues attach to the jaw and that extends for approximately one-third of the tusk. By looking at if the carved ivory does or does not have the pulp cavity it can help indicate what park of the tusk was used and its original length.

The characteristic identifier in elephant ivory is the pattern of intersecting arcs that can be seen in the cross-section. These arcs can go by several names such as engine turnings, cross-hatchings, or Schreger lines (named after the German anatomist who first described them in 1800). The intersections of the lines form angles, obtuse arc angles are found in elephant ivory and acute arc angles are found in mammoth ivory.

Walrus
Walrus ivory is solid its entire length with a center of secondary dentin instead of a pulp cavity. It is characterized in cross section by the central core that has a marbled appearance surrounded by the smooth creamy white dentin layer. They may grow up to 1.0 meter (3 ¼ feet) in length.

Warthog
Warthog ivory comes from their upper and lower canine teeth and are strongly curved. It generally has squared cross sections and have a mottled appearance. When using a magnifying hand lens, the wart hog dentin shows irregularly spaced concentric lines with varying thickness.

Narwhal
Narwhal ivory comes from a single left incisor that is produced by males. It is distinguished by its spiral form. They can grow from 2.0-7.0 meters (6 ½-23 feet) in length.

Hippopotamus
The upper and lower canine and incisors are the most common sources for hippopotamus ivory and each one has a distinctive gross morphology. Using a magnifying hand lens, we can see tightly packed series of fine concentric lines, which can be regularly or irregularly spaced. The orientation of these lines will follow with the overall shape of the tooth. Hippo ivory is harder and more opaque than elephant or walrus ivory.

The upper canines are curved and are oval to rounded in the cross-section. The lower canines are the largest teeth and strongly curved. In their cross-section, they are triangular. The incisors can be described as peg shaped and the center of the tooth in the cross-section shows a small dot.

Sperm Whale and Killer Whale
Both the Sperm whale and Killer whale have conically shaped teeth with a small amount of enamel at the tips and the rest of the tooth covered by cementum. The cross-sections of the teeth are rounded or oval. A characteristic feature is that the dentin forms in layers that alternate directions giving it a banded appearance. Their teeth are second in hardness to hippopotamus ivory. Sperm whale teeth may grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) in length while the killer whale teeth are slightly smaller. Killer whale teeth show two slight peripheral indentations and may also display a faint rosette pattern in the dentin cross-section.

French Ivory
French ivory is a synthetic material that is typically composed of pigmented cellulose nitrate and/or casein. This type of ivory was commonly made in the late 19th century and early 20th century. It looks like elephant ivory and can have intersecting line patterns but the pattern is more uniform and regular than natural ivory. This ivory will be occasionally marked synthetic while “French Ivory” or “India Ivory” are common marks. It can be distinguished from natural ivory due to its lighter weight and more even coloring.

Cellulose nitrate can be identified with a chemical spot test using diphenylamine. This ivory can degrade and produce acidic and oxidizing nitrogen. Oxide gases have been known to spontaneously combust so if this type of ivory shows any deterioration it should be kept away from the rest of the collection.

Vegetable Ivory (Ivory Nuts)
Vegetable ivory is derived from several dense palm nuts that are native to Africa, South America, and the South Pacific. It is a cellulosic material. They grow to a maximum of 5 cm (approximately 2 inches) in diameter.

Composite Mixtures
Can be various mixtures including ivory dust and casein, ivory dust and styrene resin, calcium carbonate and adhesive, casein and hardener.

Plastic
A proprietary plastic of cellulose nitrate and camphor that was developed in the mid-19th century as an ivory substitute. Other examples include polyester and phenolic resins. The plastics are sometimes laminated to show a striated surface to resembles ivory but ivory’s intersecting arc pattern cannot be reproduced.

Visual Examination
Visual examination is a very useful method to identify ivory. By using the characteristics of the variety of ivories listed about in addition to images and samples often they type of ivory can be identified. It is helpful to consider the size of the object, if it is a long and uninterrupted section it is may be elephant or mammoth. The weight is another indicator as ivory and bone are heavier than shell, horn, plastics, and composite mixtures.

Ultraviolet Examination
By using ultraviolet light, it will help determine if the material is ivory or made from another material in a non-destructive way. The long wave ultraviolet light will fluoresce different colors or absorb the light which will help characterize the material. Ivory will fluoresce a bluish-white color as does bone and shell. Vegetable ivory will fluoresce a slightly orange color and the plastic ivory will absorb the light making it appear dull blue or matte.

Ultraviolet light can also be used to see previous conservation materials and work done on the ivory along with possible pigmentation.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
“Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical method that characterizes organic material based on the energy emitted by the bonds of specific chemical compounds comprising the composition of a sample when submitted to infrared radiation .”

FTIR can differentiate ivory from other materials, except bone, as they have a similar chemical composition. It can also help identify the chemical composition of any pigments used on the ivory along with the previous mixtures and materials used for conservation or restoration of the object.

X-Radiography
X-ray can be used to look at the type of ivory it could be, if there are two separate pieces of ivory attached to each other, if there are nails/screws holding them together either from its original creators or for restoration work.

DNA Analysis
DNA analysis is a more precise method of identification as it can identify if it is an African or Asian elephant and even specific areas from within a country that the ivory may belong to. This method requires a small sample of ivory where the mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA can be isolated and compared.

Deterioration
Ivory is hygroscopic and anisotropic, tending to shrink, swell, crack, split, and/or warp on exposure to extremes or fluctuations in relative humidity and temperature, It is subject to photolytic colour change. Its organic compounds decompose by hydrolysis with prolonged exposure to water, while its inorganic compounds are attacked by acids. Deteriorated ivory in particular is porous, brittle, and prone to impact damage and delamination. Many conservation problems are caused by previous conservation treatments such as incompatible and degraded coatings, adhesives, and attempts at reconstruction.

Handling
When working with ivory objects it is important to wear white cotton gloves and if none are available be sure to thoroughly wash hands prior to touching the object. <ref name="Smithsonian" Since ivory is a porous material it is susceptible to staining. Ivory will yellow and/or brown with repeated contact to skin, fatty acids, and oils.

Temperature and Relative Humidity
Ivory is a hygroscopic material meaning that is absorbs and releases moisture with changing humidity. It is very reactive to its environment with the most severe changes linking to temperature and relative humidity. The relative humidity should be between 45-55% and the temperature should be at 70˚F (21.11˚C). If the relative humidity is too low it can lead to desiccation, shrinkage, and cracking. When the relative humidity it too high is can cause warping and swelling of the ivory. If the relative humidity exceeds 60% for a sustained time there is a chance that mold can develop on the ivory. It will be a white and greenish fuzzy growth that will require special care and cleaning.

Research has found that temperature does not have as great of an impact on the condition of ivory that relative humidity does. There should not be any big fluctuations with either temperature of relative humidity. When the temperature fluctuates from normal to high heat it will cause expansion and contraction of the ivory. Elevated temperatures can also result in a series of color changes.

Lighting
Sunlight or spotlight display cases should be avoided as well as any closed cases where heat can build up from interior light bulbs. Dark storage areas will help to prevent damage to the ivory objects.

Lighting should be kept at 5 foot-candles

Integrated Pest Management
Ivory is very rarely attached by insects but should be routinely inspected two times a year to ensure not pest activity. Rodents or other small mammals can cause structural damage by chewing on the surface of ivory. By maintaining good housekeeping and having an Integrated Pest Management program will help prevent infestations.

Proper Storage
Ivory objects should be kept in tightly closed display cases or storage to provide projection from any sudden changes in temperature, relative humidity, dirt, and dust. Storage drawers should be lined with a chemically stable cushioning material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. Another option for storage is wrapping it in unbuffered, acid free tissue paper and stored in a sealed polyethylene bag. Well washed unbleached muslin or dipper fabrication can substitute the tissue. Avoid rubber based materials as it can cause unnatural yellowing of ivory.

Avoid storing or displaying ivory near radiators, heat pipes, outside windows, and incandescent lights as they can cause excessive drying and temperature fluctuations.

Handling
When working with ivory objects it is important to wear white cotton gloves and if none are available be sure to thoroughly wash hands prior to touching the object. Since ivory is a porous material it is susceptible to staining. Ivory will yellow and/or brown with repeated contact to skin, fatty acids, and oils.

Temperature and Relative Humidity
Ivory is a hygroscopic material meaning that is absorbs and releases moisture with changing humidity. It is very reactive to its environment with the most severe changes linking to temperature and relative humidity. The relative humidity should be between 45-55% and the temperature should be at 70˚F (21.11˚C). If the relative humidity is too low it can lead to desiccation, shrinkage, and cracking. When the relative humidity it too high is can cause warping and swelling of the ivory. If the relative humidity exceeds 60% for a sustained time there is a chance that mold can develop on the ivory. It will be a white and greenish fuzzy growth that will require special care and cleaning.

Research has found that temperature does not have as great of an impact on the condition of ivory that relative humidity does. There should not be any big fluctuations with either temperature of relative humidity. When the temperature fluctuates from normal to high heat it will cause expansion and contraction of the ivory. Elevated temperatures can also result in a series of color changes.

Lighting
Sunlight or spotlight display cases should be avoided as well as any closed cases where heat can build up from interior light bulbs. Dark storage areas will help to prevent damage to the ivory objects.

Lighting should be kept at 5 foot-candles

Integrated Pest Management
Ivory is very rarely attached by insects but should be routinely inspected two times a year to ensure not pest activity. Rodents or other small mammals can cause structural damage by chewing on the surface of ivory. By maintaining good housekeeping and having an Integrated Pest Management program will help prevent infestations.

Proper Storage
Ivory objects should be kept in tightly closed display cases or storage to provide projection from any sudden changes in temperature, relative humidity, dirt, and dust. Storage drawers should be lined with a chemically stable cushioning material, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. Another option for storage is wrapping it in unbuffered, acid free tissue paper and stored in a sealed polyethylene bag. Well washed unbleached muslin or dipper fabrication can substitute the tissue. Avoid rubber based materials as it can cause unnatural yellowing of ivory.

Avoid storing or displaying ivory near radiators, heat pipes, outside windows, and incandescent lights as they can cause excessive drying and temperature fluctuations.

Cleaning
If the ivory object is in good stable condition, cleaning the surface of dirt and grime with is appropriate.

If the dusting is not enough the ivory can be cleaned with a mixture of water and mild soap (such as Ivory Snow or WA Paste). Never soak ivory as the water could cause the dirt to become more visible by embedding it into cracks or pores.

Many liquids can be destructive to ivory so it should be avoided if possible or contact a professional.

Stabilization and Structural Treatments
Avoid over the counter adhesives when repairing cracks or breaks of ivory. These repairs are difficult and the use of poor adhesives can result in staining of the ivory and embrittlement as the adhesives age.

Breaks and cracks can be important historically and show its use of the object. Unnecessary repairs can result in the loss of that historical information. Conservators should be consulted before any structural repairs are made.

Surface Treatments
Avoid wax or other protective coatings as they can age over time resulting in yellowing or darkening of the ivory surface. It can also obscure surface details that may be important to the object. The protective coatings can become difficult or even impossible to remove without damage to the object.

If possible to remove unstable surface treatments, do so with appropriate solvents. Caution should be used and a professional consulted before doing any work on the ivory.

Contact a Professional
Ivory is extremely sensitive and reactive, if it is broken or extremely dirty please contact a professional conservator to conduct the repairs and extensive cleaning.

Ethical Concerns
With the dramatic decline in population for African and Asian elephants along with poaching there are certain laws and regulations for ivory.

Laws
See also, Ivory trade.


 * The Lacey Act (1900 and later amendments) prohibits the trade of wildlife that is taken in violation of any state or foreign wildlife law or regulations. This affects interstate commerce.


 * The Endangered Species Act (1973) is to help prevent the extinction of native and foreign species. It prohibits elephant parts and products from being imported into the United States except under certain conditions. Artifacts that are carved from elephant ivory may travel legally if it has documentation that proves its provenance pre-dates 1973.


 * Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is made up of 180 countries to eliminate the illegal trade in animals, their parts, and associated products. CITES regulations do not take place of national laws. CITES has an Ivory Control System that is focused on the ivory trade.


 * The African Elephant Conservation Act (1988) prohibits raw or worked ivory to be imported into the United States with some exceptions. It also established a grant program that funds elephant conservation work.

Transportation Regulations
As of 2016, new regulations in the United States have been put into place regarding African-elephant Ivory and Asian-elephant Ivory. It is important to understand not only the federal laws but the state laws as well, as they can differ.

Import
Commercial Purposes: It is now illegal to import African elephant ivory (raw, worked, antique, or brand new) into the United States for any commercial purpose.

Non-Commercial Purposes: If the ivory was removed from the wild prior to February 26, 1976 and was otherwise legally acquired then the following can be imported into the United States for non-commercial purposes.
 * Musical instruments
 * Items in a household move or that are part of an inheritance
 * No more than two sport-hunted trophies per year (trophies must have appropriate permit that have been issued by the country hosting the hunt).

Sale & Export
Commercial Purposes: To commercially export an item containing ivory it must qualify as an antique, as defined by the Endangered Species Act.
 * The item has not been repaired or modified with ivory, or any other part of a federally protected species since 1973
 * The item is at least 100 years old
 * The item was either imported prior to 1982 or after 1982 through on of the 13 ports specifically designated for antiques. Or the item was manufactured in the United States from legally imported ivory.

Non-commercial purposes: To be eligible it must be an antique as defined by the ESA, or it but have been created prior to 1979 and has not be bought or sold since that time. It is still illegal under federal law to export raw African elephant ivory for any purpose (commercial or non-commercial)

Interstate commerce: To be eligible for legal sale across state lines it must satisfy the laws of the relevant states and either be an antique as defined by the ESA or it must have been legally important into the United States prior to 1990 and contain only a small amount of ivory (de minimis exception).

Intrastate commerce: Under federal law, it the item was legally imported before 1990 or was imported with a CITES pre-convention certificate it can be sold within a state, if it also complies with relevant state and local laws.

Import, Export, & Interstate Commerce
It is legal if it meets the following criteria:
 * The item has not been repaired or modified with ivory, or any other part of a federally protected species since 1973
 * The item is at least 100 years old
 * The item was either imported prior to 1982 or after 1982 through on of the 13 ports specifically designated for antiques. Or the item was manufactured in the United States from legally imported ivory.

Intrastate Commerce
an antique ivory can be sold within a state only if it has documentation from CITES certifying that is was imported prior to 1975.

Traveling Exhibition
Worked African elephant ivory can be imported as part of a traveling exhibition if the ivory was legally acquired before February 26, 1976, it has not been transferred from one person to another for financial gain or profit after February 25, 2014, the person/group qualifies for a CITES traveling exhibition certificate, the ivory is accompanied by the CITES traveling exhibition certificate or and equivalent documents that meets the requirements. Raw African elephant ivory cannot be imported as part of a traveling exhibition.