All the ivories that I scrimshaw are fossilized, mostly from ancient mammoth. The tusks and tusk sections are acquired from reputable ivory dealers who have been trading in fossil ivories for many years. In some cases, I purchase direct from Native Alaskans, who live in remote villages. Although most of the ivory comes from Alaska, I do acquire some rare, choice specimens from Siberia. This area is very inhospitable, but it contains vast deposits of fossil ivories.

The ivory used for "Peaceful Harbor" - a rare complete tusk - actually came from Siberia. I purchased it from a Russian trader. There is still quite a bit of ivory in the permafrost – the semi frozen tundra areas in northern Alaska and Siberian Russia. It is legal to trade in the ancient ivories and I make it a point to verify that the ivory I am buying is fossilized. All of my original scrimshaw works are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Mammoth ivory is similar to elephant ivory, but the angle of the ring pattern in the tusk is different in Mammoth, which is the means by which the Fish and Wildlife Service confirms authenticity.

Terry Christian
Scrimshander