Fragment of a so-called "birth tusk" also known as a "wand", shaped like a boomerang, carved from hippopotamus tooth ivory. No sign of decoration. Many preserved examples are incised with images of deities that may have protected mother and child.  

Original accession number unknown; part of a group of antiquities loaned to Rawtenstall Libraries and Museums collection in 1930 and returned in 1974.  Marked in pencil with some numbers but its not very clear,  possibly beginning 35...

CONDITION NOTE (1998): Incomplete, paper? adhered to surface, concretions, surface dirt, discolouration.

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Fragment of a so-called "birth tusk" also known as a "wand", shaped like a boomerang, carved from hippopotamus tooth ivory. No sign of decoration. Many preserved examples are incised with images of deities that may have protected mother and child. Original accession number unknown; part of a group of antiquities loaned to Rawtenstall Libraries and Museums collection in 1930 and returned in 1974. Marked in pencil with some numbers but its not very clear, possibly beginning 35... CONDITION NOTE (1998): Incomplete, paper? adhered to surface, concretions, surface dirt, discolouration.

Birth Tusk

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