Posted 6 years ago
julius0019
(27 items)
This pendant looks early. It has an interesting bale that runs through the body and is fastened at the base, as seen in the third photo. It measures a small 1.25" long and .75" wide. This appears to be ivory, but I am not sure. If anyone has any information about this piece, approx age etc, I would so appreciative; I can't find another example like it on line for reference. I thank you in advance....
Interesting fat boy. The pictures aren't so great but I might wonder about it being ivory. You didn't offer dimensions but looking at the first two pictures and the discoloration I wonder if it might have been carved from Tagua nut. If you don't know what Tagua is look it up. It is the closest thing to ivory in the world. Mostly used for carving. I have 10 or 12 of them with the husk still on out in my shop. Well carved Tagua will fool a professional almost every time they say it is ivory.
Thank you so much fhrjr2 for being so helpful. It measures a small 1.25" long and .75" wide.
Well it fits the size for being tagua. My tagua goes up to over 2" x 1 1/2". Mine are medium size so they do come bigger. They are in a brown husk when harvested then pure white when carved or turned on a lathe. Over time they yellow and brown. When they are harvested they are soft and you can eat them. Once they dry they are super hard and have to be carved or turned on a lathe. It is called vegetable ivory and the closest thing known to true ivory. Year ago you could buy it a a good price, now days it is getting more difficult.
You are amazing!!! Are you going to try your hand at carving them? The fact that you have taken so much time to help someone that you have never met, is a testament to your character. THANK YOU!!!