Hand Carved Ivory Elephant Family Sculpture Appraisal

Hand-Carved Ivory Elephant Family Sculpture

This item is a small, hand-carved sculpture depicting a family of elephants, specifically a mother elephant with several calves nestled around her. The carving is rendered in a light, off-white material, consistent with ivory, exhibiting a smooth, polished finish. The material displays subtle striations and a faint yellowish patina, which is typical of aged ivory, indicating its authenticity and age. The mother elephant is prominently featured at the top and center, with her trunk curled and ears visible, portraying a protective stance. Below and around her are numerous smaller elephant figures, rendered in various poses, suggesting a dynamic grouping. The carving exhibits fine detail, particularly in the rendering of the elephant forms, though individual facial features are abstracted rather than minutely detailed. The overall construction appears solid and well-executed, with no immediately visible cracks, chips, or repairs, suggesting good preservation. Its size fits comfortably in the palm of a hand, implying it was likely intended as a decorative curio or collectible. The intricate carving of multiple figures from a single piece of material points to skilled craftsmanship. Given the material and style, it likely dates from the mid-20th century or earlier, before stricter regulations on ivory trade. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible from the provided image.