The Craft, I the Trade and the Elephants

Abstract

Carved ivory objects are widely sold in India, and up to 90 per cent to foreigners, either in exports or tourists' accompanied luggage, which is a loophole in the government's otherwise complete ban on exports made from Indian ivory. Partly because of this ban, which has probably reduced elephant poaching in India, the ivory trade depends on imported African ivory, and the rise in price in recent years has been so steep that most carvers cannot affort to buy it. As a result the larger traders are turning to other crafts, and carvers are being re-trained to work in wood. This sad decline of an ancient skilled craft may, however, ease some of the pressure on both Indian and African elephants. © 1980, Fauna and Flora International. All rights reserved.