One night early this summer after dinner in a new Edgartown restaurant, my girlfriends and I wandered into a store that’s been a fixture on Main street for years.
One night early this summer after dinner in a new Edgartown restaurant, my girlfriends and I wandered into a store that’s been a fixture on Main street for years. Right at the entrance we spotted a large glass case filled with white bracelets and necklaces. Jokingly I asked the two women behind the counter, “This isn’t ivory, is it?” Their response floored me. “Oh, yes! It’s beautiful, isn’t it? It’s over one hundred years old!”
Since every single piece of ivory represents a dead elephant, I can’t see any beauty in these grisly symbols of greed, and was frankly astonished to see this jewelry for sale on Martha’s Vineyard.
The saleswomen had clearly been coached to claim that this ivory was “one hundred years old” because that distinction makes it legal to sell, however unethical it may be. But honestly, the chances that the jewelry in question was over a hundred years old, in my opinion, are slim to none.
This hundred-year loophole encourages fraud and is just one of many problems with the current ivory trade regulations. New ivory is made to look old. Provenance papers are forged. But to me, all that is beside the point. If you buy or sell ivory, whether it’s old or new, you’re encouraging illegal wildlife trafficking, the massacre of a magnificent species, and the routine murder of the brave African rangers who risk their lives every day to protect elephants, rhinos and other wildlife.
Last week, a devastating report about the elephant poaching crisis made national headlines. The murder of these noble creatures for their ivory tusks is the reason the species is racing towards extinction. In the last seven years, from 2007 to 2014, Savanna elephant populations declined by 30 per cent due to poaching; that’s a loss of 144,000 elephants murdered for their tusks.
The United States is the world’s second-largest consumer of illegally poached ivory, and Massachusetts is the seventh largest market in the U.S. These shameful statistics must compel us to change our business practices or risk being complicit in the destruction of a species.
The Massachusetts state house is currently considering a statewide ban on selling ivory. As Tom Lang, co-owner of Alexander Westerhoff Antiques in Essex, testified in a public hearing last year: “The illicit trade is actually riding on the back of the legal trade, meaning the antique ivory. The newer ivory is being stained and carved in a period-looking style.”
Thanks to President Obama, as of July 6 store owners are now required to present documentation to prove the ivory’s age. That may be a step in the right direction, but it’s hardly foolproof. It’s high time we stopped turning a blind eye to the elephant in the room — there should be no room in Edgartown’s shops for these barbaric mementos. Let’s make the moral and ethical choice to be a tourist town where tragic fragments of dead elephants are no longer sold as “beautiful” souvenirs of a lovely holiday on Martha’s Vineyard.
Laurie David is a year-round resident of Chilmark and is currently working on a new documentary about the wildlife trafficking crises called The Last Animals.
Comments
Thank you for bringing the
Miriam Anderson Woodburn, OREGONThank you for bringing the sale of ivory into the Gazette. Anytime we can stop the sale of ivory is one step toward saving elephants from a horrible death.
Excellent and informative
Vicki Divoll ChilmarkExcellent and informative piece. I truly had no idea that illegal ivory was sold as "old." Thank you.
Thank you Laurie from
Barbara Ronchetti Island Alpaca Co.Thank you Laurie from bringing light again to the plight of the elephants. It is daunting to know that just over the past three years, according to Nat Geo, over 100,000 elephants have been killed by poachers, and in central Africa, over 60% of the elephants lost in the last decade. Like masking the age of new ivory, it is likely that one could also falsify a document to hide the true age of the piece. Important to be an alert consumer. Thank you for bringing this important cause to our attention. Here is a list for any readers that might want to learn more about the population and some of the many conservation organizations: http://worldelephantday.org/associates/resources
While this is an important
Susan Stone West TisburyWhile this is an important issue. I cannot remain silent. "The 100 year old loophole ""is not a loophole. I have been an antiques dealer for 40 years having spent years in England and France. Ivory, tortoise and horn had all been used as far back as the 12th century decoratively. There are museums, legitimate dealers and collectors that have these objects in collections. Painting all ivory with one brush is dangerous. Stopping poachers, and unscrupulous governments is a worthwhile and commendable but the damage this one sided argument has done to dealers and collectors is stunning. Think about it, a sterling tea set that was made in 1750 by Paul Storr has an ivory knob that has sat on the sugar bowl for 266 years. From what you are saying you want to destroy this antique?? I know there is new Asian ivory on the market and this is reprehensible but please think about all antiques, over 100 years old by US customs definition and the dealers and collectors this touches. This is a multifaceted issue.
S.Stone, you are so right in
Truthteller CAS.Stone, you are so right in this. When emotion, not facts, enters the picture, all reason flees. Part of ginning people up is for fund raising purposes. Those of us who have genuine old ivory and appreciate it, are in agreement with you.
Didn't all ivory, new or old,
Vicki Divoll ChilmarkDidn't all ivory, new or old, come from a dead elephant? The only difference is that it wasn't illegal to kill elephants for their tusks 100 years ago, as I understand it. Just because something is legal does not make it right. Maybe antique dealers should sell other things.
I cant quite believe the
Francesca Kelly Vineyard HavenI cant quite believe the line above"....but the damage this one-sided argument has done to dealers and collectors is stunning " ..!!!! I dont feel sorry for dealers , nor collectors given the tonnage of antiiquities and collectibles that weigh down the world, recylced generation after generation , century after century
IS'NT THAT THE WHOLE POINT TO BRING DOWN THE TRADE THAT SUPPLIES DEMAND??
WHY is new ivory more reprehensible than old ivory??
The only multi-facet issue here is MONEY
It is a pathetic reflection
Susan Magdanz ChilmarkIt is a pathetic reflection on all of us to perticipate in the sale of ivory. To promote the desire to own ivory is to promote the suffering and killing of elephants
We must all raise together and do whatever we can to save the species. Do not engage in creating a market for ivory, instead advocate for awareness.
While this is clearly a
Susan Magdanz ChilmarkWhile this is clearly a multifaceted issue
It still seems outrageous to me that a store in Edgartown is endorsing the sale of ivory. Either way ivory represents the death of a magestic and endangered elephant.. I cannot understand why any one would want to profit from this tragic occurance
Thank you for bringing this
Betsy Katama, Woolwich, MaineThank you for bringing this to our attention. I hope people will change their thinking about the elephant's plight.
I'm glad that Laurie is
Frederick Law ChilmarkI'm glad that Laurie is bringing attention to the horrors of the ivory trade, and I applaud the Gazette for shining a light on these global issues, but this is a local paper, and you are featuring someone who has had a devastating impact on this Island's local environment and culture. She's built multiple trophy homes, destroyed precious wetlands that are home to very rare species, and through the publicity she brings, and the amount of land she holds, has done more than her share in eroding the local community by making it more difficult for year round islanders to own land.
Elephants must be protected, but she sure is doing her part to turn the people and animals of this island into an endangered species.
Thank you for the informative
Margaret Vero BeachThank you for the informative article. We must protect God's creatures. Blessings to all.
I don't understand why such a
Islander Martha's VineyardI don't understand why such a simple-minded approach to a complicated issue is applauded by any thinking person. What would the writer say about pianos, Victorian statues, and priceless religious objects that contain ivory? Standing on a street corner and yelling at people for driving gas guzzlers did nothing to stop global warming. Singling out the one vintage jewelry store on Main Street in Edgartown will also have a negligible effect on halting elephant poaching. Spreading the word on the latest "cause de jour" is one thing. Bad mouthing a local store with unproven (and likely, wrong) assumptions is something else.
Yes, indeed, what about
Lorraine EdgartownYes, indeed, what about pianos? the old beautiful pianos with ivory keys...would a law enacted ban the sale of pianos with ivory keys? What about the Met, the orchestras with pianos with ivory keys? what about those of us who inherit a wonderful old Steinway or Mason and Hamlin? Would that be against the law? As someone who has owned a number of grand pianos with ivory keys, this is an important question. How far back should we go? I, too, have an ivory necklace which is quite beautiful. Should I destroy it? Should I wear it and be subjected to the scorn of younger more environmentally aware people? In our day, nothing was wrong with passing down pianos and ivory pieces. Dear me, I feel so out of step these days.
I agree, you have said
Local Marthas VineyardI agree, you have said comments about a store without even contacting the owner of the store with your concerns. Shame on the Gazette for printing this. Why not go sit down with the owner of the store and ask where and when these bracelets were purchased. They are antigues and have value to those who enjoy the history behind them. If they aren't for you, fine.
I have a necklace that
Barbara Peckham Oak BluffsI have a necklace that belonged to my grandmother that may or may not be real ivory. It seems likely as I am 88, and my grandmother died in 1954 at the age of 94. They had traveled a lot. I am almost afraid to wear it, although it is lovely and I love it. Sometimes I tell people it isn't ivory (I don't know), that it's bone to avoid controversy. I certainly agree that there should be no "new" ivory. The plight of the elephants is dire. I don't know how to feel about my necklace.
Your necklace has been in
Janet Swan TampaYour necklace has been in your family for generations and has not been in commerce, as the "old" ivory sold in antiques shops is. While continuing to profit from the sale of ivory, old or fake old, is questionable, your situation is not. You should wear and enjoy your necklace and think of your grandmother.
It would be very easy for
Dan ObIt would be very easy for each town to pass a law prohibiting the sale of ivory. Why wait for the state?
Thank you for sharing this. I
Thomas Bena ChilmarkThank you for sharing this. I had no idea this was being sold on MV.
I couldn't agree more- why a
Jill shaw ruddock Martha's VineyardI couldn't agree more- why a store in Edgartown is selling Ivory jewellery is frankly shocking.
Throwing the baby out with the bath water is the risk. Beautiful religious and ancient artefacts should be excluded from the ban but that has never been the strength of legislators- hence no gun control at all exists in this country.
We must put a stop to the
Leone Webster Ojai, CaliforniaWe must put a stop to the killing of Elephants for their ivory. No age exceptions should be allowed in selling ivory. Why? If it continues the killing of those magnificent animals then all ivory sales should be banned. There's no other way. In addition, we must pressure China and other countries that still sell ivory to stop.
Thank you Laurie David for
Monina von Opel, ChilmarkThank you Laurie David for bringing this to our attention. We are spreading the word: no more ivory anything. No more rhinoceros horn, no more lion's claws.
I am so glad you are working
Lynne Adams ChilmarkI am so glad you are working on behalf of the elephants. One dawn in Kenya an Elephant seemed to tip toe through our camp ground. About ten feel from my tent, framed perfectly in the entrance, the elephant stopped and looked at me. Truly it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I think because of the fact that new ivory is passed off as "old" we should ban the sale of all ivory. Certainly in Martha's Vineyard.
Laurie David's well-reasoned
Robin Bierstedt ChilmarkLaurie David's well-reasoned article is exactly right. We should be mindful of all creatures, but elephants are uniquely special. They are long-lived and highly intelligent, with complex social behaviors and communication skills. Sadly they are endangered, and so deserve all the protection we can possibly give them.
New/Old Ivory , there is no
Francesca Kelly West TisburyNew/Old Ivory , there is no difference , astonished at comments to exempt "old ivory" and to worry bout the dealers and traders given the tonnage of antiquities ,collectibles, jewellery etccc and art weighing down the planet and recycled generation after generation , century after century. .If the poacher sells to the dealer and the dealer supplies the collector , then the goddam dealer 's common denominator is MONEY.
Thanks Laurie for raising
Bryan Meehan Vineyard HavenThanks Laurie for raising this. Great to see the 'knot on my planet' campaign launched today too. Grateful for all the work you do for our planet
Wow, so happy to know this. I
Maria Beverton ChilmarkWow, so happy to know this. I see the afterward... Can't wait to see that movie... Sounds like an incredibly important film worth protecting as much as the animals themselves.
Thank you for bringing this
Susan Magdanz ChilmarkThank you for bringing this horrid situation to our awareness
I will never shop there again until they remove the ivory. The elephants need our every effort to preserve their species.. To profit from the sale of a majestic creature which is hurtling toward extinction is a pathetic action. There are so many beautiful objects in the world, why not just stop the sale of ivory, period.
Laurie thanks for bringing
Maryann Thompson Cambridge MALaurie thanks for bringing this to our attention. I support a national or statewide ban on the selling of Ivory. The elephants are in crisis. How could we, as a nation, not have empathy for them? Old Ivory that has been handed down thru the generations can continue to be handed down or gifted. So I don't truly understand the argument against the proposed ban on the sale of Ivory. It's just taking money out of he equation which has been the corrupting force all along when it comes to Ivory.
Thank you so much Laurie. I
Belinda Eichler EdgartowThank you so much Laurie. I had no idea real ivory was being sold. I actually bought an item not realizing that it was likely ivory.
By the way, I understand that piano keys are now plastic. ( in response to another comment)
I salute you, Ms Lauri! With
rajka Ungerer EdgartowmI salute you, Ms Lauri! With our busy lives and being preoccupied with the problems of personal and national difficulties -- all I can say Thanks to the people like you, who do care and do something about it.
Thank you for bringing this
Claudia Macedo and Lew French EdgartownThank you for bringing this important issue to light. Looking forward to the documentary.
I went into that store a few
Betsy Burmeister Vineyard HavenI went into that store a few years ago. I questioned the sales woman about the ivory and started talking to her about the Elephants. She told me "that jewelry is over 100 years old"..I could care less how old it is...a beautiful animal was killed and their face hacked off for jewelry???? Google 'The David Sheldrick Trust' in Kenya and see the Orphans...go the Lek Chailert's 'Elephant Nature Park' and Katherine O'Conner's 'BLES'...read and see the photographs...there is no excuse for selling or wearing parts of a dead animal...it is always about money....the store could sell many other things....Thank you, Laurie for bringing this to peoples attention...
People sell, wear, and eat
Islander Martha's VineyardPeople sell, wear, and eat parts of dead animals all the time. I understand about elephant poaching, but the reasons for it are complex-- and based largely on religious practices and status among the poor in places like China. You cannot have a hissy fit about one store in Edgartown selling "parts of a dead animal" without also carrying on about the island Artisan Festival where jewelers create for sale beautiful leather bracelets and cords for necklaces to replace chains-- not to mention the great hamburger I just ate at the cliffs, or my Birkenstock sandals that I wear so I can walk. This sort of inappropriate hysteria reminds me of the PETA freaks throwing paint on people for wearing wool sweaters, not realizing that no sheep were actually killed so Grandma could knit her sweaters. I don't know anyone who actually buys ivory in this country anymore. Most people have known for a long time that purchasing new ivory condones poaching, so no one does it anymore. This is not new if you read newspapers. The antique market in this country is not the problem nor does it contribute in any substantial way to promoting the slaughter of elephants. Do a little reading before getting hysterical, please. And unless you are a strict vegan and wear no leather, your argument is silly.
It takes a strong minded
rebecca miller ChilmarkIt takes a strong minded person to stand up and shine the light on something that harms another being. Let us all grow from this awareness and find the courage to take a stance. The store is still and will continue to sell ivory if consumers purchase.
Thank you Laurie David for
Edward Miller ChilmarkThank you Laurie David for your clear, level-headed exposure of this issue.
I find it interesting that many of the uncivil "comments" come from those who apparently are afraid to identify themselves.
Why do Letters to the Editor in the Gazette require identification, yet comments on-line do not?
We are no longer naive or
Chris Weller Chilmark, MAWe are no longer naive or uninformed about the horror of elephant hunting and the imminent disappearance of the species. There is no justification for the sale of any ivory. Selling ivory supports and encourages the ivory trade. Period. There is an important, basic, humane difference between illeagal and immoral.
The cruelty embodied in these
Annie Berdy AquinnahThe cruelty embodied in these objects is heart wrenching. The suffering these sentient beings are subjected to in the service of profit is indefensible. Legal and policy interventions should be unnecessary. Basic decency, empathy, and compassion should guide choices and behavior. How sad that it doesn't. How sad this evidence of depravity is for sale on our island, how disappointing this piece of a once living body is perceived as an object, an artifact reflecting the 'good' taste of its owner.
For the benefit of our
Vintage JewelryFor the benefit of our customers and the readers of the Vineyard Gazette, we would like to respond to the commentary written by Laurie David. We would like to clarify that we have provenance for all of our Ivory. We have been in the business of selling Antique Jewelry in Edgartown for 31 years. It has been a policy from the beginning to only buy from reputable Antique Jewelers and from private estates. We can assure our customers that none of our Ivory is new, it is all pre-ban and vintage.
I am glad to hear that you
Laurie David ChilmarkI am glad to hear that you have documentation to prove the ivory you sell is old. However, the larger question is whether it is ethical to continue to sell an item that is leading to the extinction of a species. As many of the comments have pointed out, old or new, by selling it you are keeping the ivory trade in business. Every single piece, old or new, came from a murdered elephant. We now understand this. Its time to stop selling it.
This attack on a well
Islander EdgartownThis attack on a well respected, local business is unconscionable. There will always be antique items that employ
old ivory and antique dealers have a legal right to sell them. What to do with all of those beautiful antique pianos
with ebony and ivory keys? Should their sale be banned. Should the world class musicians be shamed for using them?
This is more of a complex issue than was addressed in Ms.David's knee jerk article. We know that you're working on a film,
and your interest is in promoting that film. No one wants to promote the poaching of our precious elephants, but please, let's use
some common sense.
Thank you Laurie for showing
Gwenn Snider KatamaThank you Laurie for showing us what was in front of our eyes. There are not many things more heartbreaking than animal cruelty- too often we can turn away from that which isn't directly happening to us. I so appreciate your commitment and I stand with you on the need to document ivory - sensible legislation does make a difference and I only wish we could accomplish more. I never wanted to own ivory anyway!
This is such a serious
Lynn and Evelyn de Rothschild West TisburyThis is such a serious situation with world-wide repercussions. We need to get the word out on this as much as possible.
Ivory also came from whales
Cory EdgartownIvory also came from whales
To the Editors: Next time you
Ben West TisburyTo the Editors: Next time you get an unsolicited "commentary" like this one, pause and think. Is it true? Is there an agenda? Reputations take a long time to build and earn. Shaming reputable companies in your paper before learning the other side of the story is not journalism. And giving license to readers to pile on with equally misinformed and self-righteous comments is a bad practice.
Sellers of ivory, antique
Jane Lancellotti AquinnahSellers of ivory, antique though it may be, are feeding into the idea that animal parts make fine jewelry. Can we not count on Martha's Vineyard to lift our consciousness a wee higher than that? Here's to the moral compass spinning in the right direction. Thank you Laurie.
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