Hornbill ivory, also known as casque, refers to the solid keratin casque found on the upper mandible of hornbills. This material has long been valued and traded, but determining its monetary value is complex due to the diversity of hornbill species, variability in casque size and quality, and dynamic market forces.
What is hornbill ivory?
Hornbills are large bird species found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and Melanesia. The prominent casque on their upper bill is unique to hornbills and serves multiple functions, including vocal resonance and display. The interior is composed of keratin, the same protein material that makes up hair, feathers, nails, and rhino horn. While the casque’s exterior is lightweight, the dense interior has a consistency similar to ivory. Hornbill ivory ranges in color from yellowish to reddish-brown.
There are over 60 hornbill species worldwide. The largest casques reaching over 13 inches long are found on helmet hornbills in Indonesia and the Philippines. Smaller casques of 3-5 inches long occur on African gray hornbills and other species. The African hornbill ivory tends to be more yellow, while Asian hornbill ivory leans more brownish-red. The casque material becomes harder and denser as a hornbill ages.
History of hornbill ivory use and trade
Hornbill ivory has been carved into ornaments, jewelry, and other decorative items for centuries. Historical uses by indigenous peoples include:
- Jewelry and ornaments in Borneo
- Necklaces traded in the Philippines
- Ritual objects in Africa
In China, hornbill ivory was considered a fair substitute to elephant ivory and was carved into figures, bracelets, and other objects. It was also used medicinally. By the 19th century, demand and hunting had severely depleted Asian hornbills. Conservation laws enacted in the 1900s gave remaining populations some respite. More recently, the rise of elephant poaching has again intensified hunting pressure on hornbills.
Hornbill ivory market dynamics
Several factors influence the current market for hornbill ivory products:
- Legal protection – Most hornbill species are protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), limiting legal international trade of casques and products.
- Elephant ivory bans – With elephant ivory bans in place, hornbill ivory has been marketed as an alternative.
- Demand in China – There is a growing market among China’s expanding wealthy class, willing to pay high prices.
- Rarity – Over-hunting makes large, high quality casques increasingly scarce.
These forces combine to make hornbill ivory a high-value, unregulated commodity. Prices often exceed elephant ivory.
Hornbill ivory pricing
Hornbill ivory is priced by multiple factors:
- Species – The helmeted hornbill of Indonesia/Philippines produces the largest and most prized casques.
- Size – Larger casques are more highly valued.
- Quality – Density, hardness, coloration and lack of flaws increase value.
- Carving – Finely carved pieces command higher prices.
- Rarity – Casques from endangered species have added value.
Raw helmeted hornbill casques typically sell for $1,000-$5,000 per pound. Wholesale carved bangles sell for $500-$5,000 depending on size and quality. Retail prices for intricate carvings can exceed $10,000.
By comparison, elephant ivory sells for $1,000-$2,500 per pound wholesale in China. However, elephant ivory supply is far larger than the limited number of hornbill casques available.
Price examples
Here are some real-world examples of prices paid for hornbill ivory items:
Item | Price |
---|---|
11 inch raw helmeted hornbill casque | $7,000 |
2.5 inch carved bangle | $1,500 |
Set of 8 carved pendants | $17,000 |
41 cm carved dragon sculpture | $26,500 |
Future hornbill ivory value trends
The high prices paid for hornbill ivory are likely to persist and even increase due to:
- Continued demand and hornbill hunting despite trade restrictions.
- Decreasing supply as species are over-exploited.
- Stimulated demand as hornbill ivory is marketed as a substitute for elephant ivory.
- Rising affluence in China expanding the pool of buyers.
However, if effective anti-poaching and anti-trafficking measures can be implemented, the supply constraints may force prices down. Public education campaigns on hornbill conservation may also dampen demand. But currently, market forces remain strong and hornbill ivory maintains high and rising value.
Conclusion
Hornbill ivory is an increasingly scarce and highly coveted commodity. Helmeted hornbills of Southeast Asia produce the most prized casques, which can command prices over $5,000 per pound. Carved retail pieces sell for thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Pricing depends on multiple market forces including species, size, quality, rarity, and demand. Over-hunting and illegal trade threaten hornbill populations but also drive prices higher as supply decreases. Effective conservation efforts are urgently needed to prevent further declines of these magnificent birds.