MADAM – In the ivory debate, the argument concerning cultural vandalism has been made effectively. The financial loss to collectors and dealers has been well aired.
One very important development that we believe hasn’t had enough publicity involves new ivory objects being sold as antique, thus by-passing laws and regulations.
All types of ivory are now sold in online auctions and listings described in different euphemistic ways: ‘cow bone’, ‘looks like bone’, ‘faux ivory, ‘composition’ and so on.