Ivory use and trade in the Ancient Near East (Until the 5th century BC)

In addition to being an organ used by elephants for defense purposes, ivory is a commercial commodity that serves as decoration and the main production material in various works of art. Research conducted in different areas of the world shows that ivory has been used in the production of beads and jewelry as a sign of prestige since the Paleolithic Age. In addition, ivory was frequently used in the production of arrow and spearheads, needles, awls, obsidian knife handles, small figurines, and wind musical instruments such as flutes and whistles. In addition, it is also seen that cosmetic boxes, spoons, furniture accessories, talisman objects, mirror and fan handles, knife and sword handles and sheaths are made from ivory. On the other hand, it is understood that ivory, which has been around for a long time in the Ancient Near East, has been used extensively since the Iron Age. As a matter of fact, it is seen that the ivory found in different settlements was preferred as an object of prestige by people belonging to the upper classes and was among the top gifts and tributes between the kings. This situation is also confirmed by the political-commercial correspondence of Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, which were the powerful states of the period. As a matter of fact, the need for and trade in ivory is mentioned in politically charged cuneiform letters between the kings of Egypt and the kingdoms of Babylon, Assyria, Hittite, Alašiya (Cyprus) and the Levant Region. On the other hand, it is revealed that ivory, which found wide use in the Near East, reached Ancient Egypt through the trade route following the Nile Valley from the interior of Africa, and from there it was transported to the interior of Anatolia and Mesopotamia via the Levant Region. On the other hand, it is understood that Asian Elephant ivory was brought to Mesopotamia and Anatolia by traders from Meluhha, Magan and Dilmun from the ancient India region. As a matter of fact, research has revealed many ivory works of art in various settlements of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia and the Levant Kingdoms, especially in palace buildings. This shows that in addition to the use of it, ivory was an important trade material in the Ancient Near East. Although no information has been found about the commercial value of ivory, it is understood that it is a valuable product in terms of its usage area and demands.