The North American elk, or Wapiti, is primarily known for the magnificent antlers of the male. Elk do indeed have a unique pair of teeth that are commonly called ivories, a feature that distinguishes them from nearly all other members of the deer family. These small dental structures serve as a direct link to the elk’s ancient ancestors. The presence of these teeth has shaped not only the animal’s evolutionary history but also centuries of human culture and tradition.
The Canine Teeth Known as Ivories
The teeth in question are not true ivory in the same sense as an elephant’s tusk, but are instead modified upper canine teeth, structurally similar to any other tooth. They are composed of dentin, covered by a layer of enamel, and anchored by cementum, the standard components of mammalian teeth. Each elk possesses only two of these teeth, situated in the upper jaw where canine teeth would typically be found.
These teeth are often referred to by hunters and enthusiasts as “whistlers” or “buglers,” names derived from the folklore that suggested they played a role in the elk’s distinctive vocalizations. In a mature elk, only a small portion of the tooth, often less than an inch, is exposed above the gum line. Both male and female elk have these ivories, although the pair found in a mature bull is generally larger and more prominent than those found in a cow.
While they are not true tusks, they are often mistakenly described as such due to their dense, glossy appearance and their historical significance. A prime elk ivory will exhibit a rich, creamy color, sometimes stained brown by the animal’s diet, and is highly valued for its durability and unique aesthetics. Prime specimens come from mature elk between four and seven years old, before excessive wear begins to degrade the crown.
The Evolutionary Origin of Elk Ivories
Elk ivories are a vestigial feature, a remnant of a more prominent structure found in prehistoric cervid ancestors. Approximately 25 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch, the earliest relatives of modern elk possessed much larger, protruding canine teeth that functioned as true tusks. These ancient tusks were utilized by the animals for various purposes, including fighting rivals and defending against predators.
As the elk lineage evolved, the focus of male display and combat shifted from these tusks to the development of increasingly large and complex antlers. This evolutionary pressure caused the canine teeth to gradually reduce in size. The ivories of the modern elk are the reduced form of these former tusks, persisting in the anatomy with no current functional use.
A behavioral echo of this ancient function remains, as an elk may still curl its upper lip in a “sneer display” to expose the ivories when agitated. This posture is thought to be a threat display. Although the teeth are now small, they represent a link to a time when the early deer family relied on dental weaponry rather than bone headgear for dominance.
Historical and Modern Human Use
Elk ivories have been highly sought after by humans for millennia. Among numerous Plains Indian tribes, the ivories were prized symbols of wealth, hunting skill, and longevity. The rarity of the teeth—only two per animal—meant that garments like the elaborate elk tooth dress, adorned with hundreds of ivories, represented prosperity and social standing.
Commercial interest grew with the arrival of European settlers, peaking in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Elk ivories became fashionable accessories, most notably used as watch fobs, which served as a status symbol for hunters. This trend was amplified by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.), which adopted the elk’s tooth as an unofficial emblem.
Widespread poaching resulted from the high demand, leading to a crisis. This ultimately prompted the B.P.O.E. to denounce the jewelry and become a strong advocate for elk conservation. Today, elk ivories remain a treasured hunting trophy, often set into jewelry such as rings and pendants.