The question of whether whales possess ivory depends on the specific species and the definition of the material. While “ivory” often refers to elephant tusks, the material is technically a specialized form of dentin, which forms the bulk of all mammalian teeth. Many toothed whale species possess teeth made of this same biological composition. Historically, most whale teeth were not commercially considered “ivory” due to their size or structure, creating a distinction between the scientific definition and the material’s traditional use. The answer lies in examining the dental structure of the two main whale groups: toothed whales and filter-feeding whales.
Defining Ivory and Whale Dentition
Ivory is scientifically defined as dentin large enough to be carved. Dentin is a calcified tissue composed primarily of mineralized collagen fibers and calcium phosphate, chemically identical regardless of the animal source. All toothed whales (Odontocetes) have teeth containing this dentin, often protected by layers of cementum and, sometimes, enamel.
The teeth of species like the Sperm Whale are solid dentin structures, historically used for carving known as scrimshaw. However, the commercial understanding of ivory is heavily influenced by the impressive size of elephant tusks. Most whale teeth are smaller or structurally different, traditionally excluding them from the broader commercial “ivory” category despite their identical chemical makeup.
The Unique Case of the Narwhal Tusk
The Narwhal is the primary reason for the association between whales and ivory. Its remarkable tusk is an elongated left canine tooth that spirals forward, growing up to nine feet long, primarily in males. Unlike most teeth, the Narwhal tusk lacks the hard outer layer of enamel, leaving the dentin and a porous outer layer of cementum exposed.
This unique structure makes the tusk an organ of incredible sensitivity, functioning more like a sensory probe than a weapon. Millions of tiny, fluid-filled tubules extend from the inner pulp chamber, which contains nerve endings, to the tusk’s outer surface. This allows the Narwhal to detect subtle environmental changes, such as variations in water temperature, pressure, and salinity. The tusk’s unique spiral pattern has historically led to it being traded as “unicorn ivory.”
Toothed Whales Versus Baleen Whales
The presence of ivory-like material distinguishes the two whale suborders: Odontocetes (toothed whales) and Mysticetes (baleen whales). Toothed whales, including the Sperm Whale, Orca, and Narwhal, are predators equipped with dentin teeth. Sperm Whales, for instance, possess 40 to 52 cone-shaped teeth in their lower jaw, and these teeth were historically carved by whalers.
Baleen whales, such as the Blue, Humpback, and Gray Whales, possess no teeth or dentin structures that qualify as ivory. Instead, these filter feeders have hundreds of overlapping plates of baleen hanging from their upper jaw. Baleen is a flexible, fibrous material made of keratin, the same protein found in human hair and fingernails. This keratin structure allows them to strain small prey like krill and fish from the water.
Legal Status and Conservation Concerns
The trade and possession of whale dental material, particularly the Narwhal tusk, are subject to strict regulations due to conservation concerns. The Narwhal is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means international trade is strictly controlled to prevent it from threatening the species’ survival. Export permits are required for tusks, along with a non-detriment finding (NDF) to ensure the trade is not harmful to the wild population.
In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) generally prohibits the import of all marine mammal parts, including Narwhal tusks. Hunting is permitted for subsistence purposes by Canadian Inuit and Greenlandic hunters, but the subsequent international sale is highly scrutinized. Legal tusks require permanent tags and certification, and the movement of these items across international borders is significantly restricted to prevent illegal harvesting and smuggling.