Beyond the luxurious: TRACING THE LATE ANTIQUE IVORY TRADE.

This article examines the use and trade of elephant ivory in the early medieval (Late Antique) world, revealing that ivory was not solely an elite luxury material but also served practical, everyday functions across diverse communities from north-western Europe to the Indian Ocean. Archaeological evidence, such as ivory rings used as bag frames found in graves, indicates that ivory was more widely available and integrated into daily life than previously thought, contrasting with its traditional association with high-status objects like imperial diptychs. The study also highlights specialized ivory workshops in urban centers like Alexandria and Rome, producing both luxury and utilitarian items. Scientific analyses of ivory—including protein, isotope, and DNA studies—offer insights into ancient trade networks, elephant populations, and environmental impacts, underscoring the long-term consequences of ivory exploitation, including the extinction of the North African elephant. Overall, the research challenges modern assumptions by presenting ivory as a complex raw material with varied social meanings and extensive historical trade, deepening understanding of human-elephant relationships over millennia. [Extracted from the article]