Vili. <em>Elephant Tusk Carved with Figures in Relief</em>, late 19th century. Ivory, graphite, 39 x 4 3/8 x 8 x 4 in. (99.1 x 11.1 x 20.3 x 10.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 35.679. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 35.679_view1_PS1.jpg)

Elephant Tusk Carved with Figures in Relief

Artist:Vili

Medium: Ivory, graphite

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:late 19th century

Dimensions: 39 x 4 3/8 x 8 x 4 in. (99.1 x 11.1 x 20.3 x 10.2 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 35.679

Image: 35.679_view1_PS1.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Ivory tusk with carved spiral low relief. A procession winds in a spiral from the base to the tip of the tusk giving a pageant of life with about 150 figures, mostly men and women but also including monkeys in trees, elephants eating palms, leopards, fish and serpents. Many of the figures wear typical skirts and blouses of the 1880's and tip narrow-brimmed hats to each other when they meet. The making and drinking of palm wine is depicted and there are passages which show authority being exercised by means of the sword. Also, there are domestic scenes. Graphite used throughout. CONDITION: Good.

Brooklyn Museum