How was this made?
Similar to the African Oliphant, this pen box was created out of the tusk of an elephant, hence its cylindrical shape. The tusk was hollowed out, finished with ornate designs, cut in half, and attached with bronze handles. These precise, detailed visuals of animal iconography were carved easily due to the soft nature of ivory.
This ivory casket demonstrates similar detailed designs incorporating this same type of animal iconography on a different cultural object. Upon close examination, it is very apparent the care and detailed effort that was required to create designs on such a soft material.