Carved African Hippopotamus Tooth | Tribal Art | Early 20th Century

$1,200.00
$1,200.00
Free Worldwide Shipping on all orders
Hand-carved African hippopotamus incisor tusk featuring an intricately detailed crocodile in high relief along the natural curvature, polished with rich patina, displayed on a white background.
Rotating view of an intricately carved African hippopotamus tooth from the early 20th century, featuring detailed animal motifs and polished ivory surface.
Carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring an intricately sculpted crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on white background.
Side view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile design, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Close-up of early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif with detailed scales, traditional tribal ivory artwork on white background.
Side profile of a carved African hippopotamus tooth depicting a crocodile in relief, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork showcasing fine craftsmanship and natural patina.
Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Angled view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork with intricate detail and natural patina on white background.
From Ivory to Art — video showcasing an early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving transformed into tribal art, highlighting craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and preservation.
  • Hand-carved African hippopotamus incisor tusk featuring an intricately detailed crocodile in high relief along the natural curvature, polished with rich patina, displayed on a white background.
  • Rotating view of an intricately carved African hippopotamus tooth from the early 20th century, featuring detailed animal motifs and polished ivory surface.
  • Carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring an intricately sculpted crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on white background.
  • Side view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile design, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
  • Close-up of early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif with detailed scales, traditional tribal ivory artwork on white background.
  • Side profile of a carved African hippopotamus tooth depicting a crocodile in relief, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork showcasing fine craftsmanship and natural patina.
  • Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
  • Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
  • Angled view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork with intricate detail and natural patina on white background.
  • From Ivory to Art — video showcasing an early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving transformed into tribal art, highlighting craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and preservation.
Hand-carved African hippopotamus incisor tusk featuring an intricately detailed crocodile in high relief along the natural curvature, polished with rich patina, displayed on a white background.
Rotating view of an intricately carved African hippopotamus tooth from the early 20th century, featuring detailed animal motifs and polished ivory surface.
Carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring an intricately sculpted crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on white background.
Side view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile design, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Close-up of early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif with detailed scales, traditional tribal ivory artwork on white background.
Side profile of a carved African hippopotamus tooth depicting a crocodile in relief, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork showcasing fine craftsmanship and natural patina.
Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Detailed view of an African hippopotamus tooth carving depicting a crocodile motif, handcrafted early 20th-century ivory artwork displayed on a white background.
Angled view of a carved African hippopotamus tooth featuring a crocodile motif, early 20th-century tribal ivory artwork with intricate detail and natural patina on white background.
From Ivory to Art — video showcasing an early 20th-century African hippopotamus tooth carving transformed into tribal art, highlighting craftsmanship, cultural symbolism, and preservation.

Carved African Hippopotamus Tooth | Tribal Art | Early 20th Century

Description
More Less

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Africa
Material: Hand-carved hippopotamus lower incisor tusk
Period: 20th Century

Description
A stunning example of African craftsmanship, this hand-carved hippopotamus tusk features an intricately detailed crocodile rendered with remarkable realism. The figure is carved in high relief along the natural curvature of the tusk, its scales, muscular form, and poised stance captured with expressive precision. Measuring 12 inches in length, the carving exemplifies the seamless union of natural material and cultural artistry.

Features

- Genuine hippopotamus incisor tusk, dense and highly prized material

- Intricately carved crocodile with detailed scales and lifelike presence

- Natural tusk curvature enhances the sense of movement and flow

- Smooth, polished surface with rich natural patina

- Strong visual impact, designed as both artwork and cultural expression

Cultural Significance
For centuries, African artisans have incorporated wildlife into their work, celebrating the deep relationship between humans and nature. Hippopotamus ivory was historically valued for its durability and smooth finish, often used in ceremonial and decorative carvings. The crocodile, revered and feared across African cultures, symbolizes survival, adaptability, and primal strength—qualities central to traditional mythology and belief systems.

Condition
Excellent condition with fine carving detail preserved throughout. Minor surface wear and natural variations in the tusk consistent with age and authenticity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 12 in

Age
20th Century

Learn More 

Discover How to Identify Different Types of Ivory in Antiques: A Practical Guide for Identifying Elephant and Hippo Ivory

Read More About the Historic Trade of Ivory in Africa: The Hidden Ivory Trade: Hippos Under Threat 

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Africa
Material: Hand-carved hippopotamus lower incisor tusk
Period: 20th Century

Description
A stunning example of African craftsmanship, this hand-carved hippopotamus tusk features an intricately detailed crocodile rendered with remarkable realism. The figure is carved in high relief along the natural curvature of the tusk, its scales, muscular form, and poised stance captured with expressive precision. Measuring 12 inches in length, the carving exemplifies the seamless union of natural material and cultural artistry.

Features

- Genuine hippopotamus incisor tusk, dense and highly prized material

- Intricately carved crocodile with detailed scales and lifelike presence

- Natural tusk curvature enhances the sense of movement and flow

- Smooth, polished surface with rich natural patina

- Strong visual impact, designed as both artwork and cultural expression

Cultural Significance
For centuries, African artisans have incorporated wildlife into their work, celebrating the deep relationship between humans and nature. Hippopotamus ivory was historically valued for its durability and smooth finish, often used in ceremonial and decorative carvings. The crocodile, revered and feared across African cultures, symbolizes survival, adaptability, and primal strength—qualities central to traditional mythology and belief systems.

Condition
Excellent condition with fine carving detail preserved throughout. Minor surface wear and natural variations in the tusk consistent with age and authenticity.

Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 12 in

Age
20th Century

Learn More 

Discover How to Identify Different Types of Ivory in Antiques: A Practical Guide for Identifying Elephant and Hippo Ivory

Read More About the Historic Trade of Ivory in Africa: The Hidden Ivory Trade: Hippos Under Threat 

You May Also Like