ABSTRACT
Mammoth ivory, an ancient material, has been used by craftsmen for a long time. We draw attention to the material, its qualities, and ways in which carving artists understand and engage with this material. We analyse the ways craftsmen relate to mammoth ivory in their creative work. Every carving project starts with consideration of the material, its quality and condition. Indeed, material often dictates the development of creative ideas and predetermines the outcome. Consideration of the material is an important aspect of the relational engagement with it. We use the concept of ‘material dynamism’ to explain the qualities of mammoth ivory, which, due to its structure, responds to climatic fluctuations. Craftsmen often describe these fluctuations as ‘breathing’ and endow mammoth ivory with active qualities. For craftsmen, mammoth ivory is an agent and sentient material.
