Description

Sperm whale ivory originates from their round, stout teeth, which can grow to over 7 inches in length throughout its lifetime. Orcas have also been a source of ivory over the years, but these two species are not typically animals hunted for their ivory due to the difficulty in procuring them in ancient times, and an international moratorium on commercial whaling today. Although sperm whale ivory has been featured in important cultural objects among many peoples of the Pacific, collection was rare since it only came from beached whales, and therefore considered highly valuable.