Ambon Keris for interest

[kai]

Hello Greg,

So is this a good thing? In so far as is Hippo Ivory any more or less desirable in a Keris hilt (or any collectable item for that matter) than elephant tusk or whale tooth ivory? And how would it have found its way to the region?

Not really much of any difference, IMHO - quality of carving and condition being much more important nowadays.

In the Malay world, hippo has a reputation for staying white longer than the other ivories. It also is a tiny bit harder material, on average.

It's certainly the Arab merchants whose network connected Africa with Asia. We also see walrus and extinct mammoth ivory being utilized throughout Asia - maritime (as well as overland) trade has been the main player in connecting cultures for millennia...

Regards,
Kai