Elephant 18 cm high - Polish pottery

A very decorative eyecatcher is the Polish Pottery elephant in various Bunzlau tableware designs.

In elaborate handwork the elephants are decorated in the pottery Ceramika Artystyczna from Bunzlau, Silesia with brush and sponge.

Elephants – Origin, Ivory History, Conservation, and Cultural Symbolism

1. Origin and Evolution

Elephants (family: Elephantidae) belong to the order Proboscidea, which originated in Africa over 50 million years ago. Today, only three elephant species remain:

• African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana)

• African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)

• Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)

All modern elephants share a common ancestor from about 6 million years ago. In prehistoric times, over 160 species of proboscideans roamed the Earth, including the woolly mammoth and mastodons.

2. Ivory – From the Middle Ages to Modern Times

Ivory, the dense dentin material from elephant tusks, has been prized since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was used to craft:

• Religious reliquaries and icons

• Decorative combs and chess sets

• Weapon handles and aristocratic items

During the 19th and 20th centuries, demand surged—particularly for piano keys, billiard balls, and luxury goods. This led to mass poaching and sharp population declines.

Today, ivory trade is banned or heavily restricted under CITES agreements. However, illegal ivory markets persist in parts of Africa and Asia, continuing to threaten elephant populations.

3. Protected Elephant Habitats Worldwide

Many countries have created national parks and reserves to protect elephants, such as:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa)

• Chobe National Park (Botswana)

• Amboseli & Tsavo Parks (Kenya)

• Kaziranga (India)

• Kaeng Krachan (Thailand)

• Selous Game Reserve (Tanzania)

International NGOs like WWF and IFAW work to support anti-poaching patrols, local communities, and sustainable coexistence with elephants.

4. Population Trends

Elephant populations have declined dramatically over the past century: