Warthog Collection

For the collector seeking something truly exotic and incredibly tough, Warthog ivory is a rare prize. This is not a delicate material; it is a dense, rock-hard ivory that radiates durability and wild beauty. It is a handle that speaks of the African savannah—rugged, untamed, and uniquely textured.

Visually, Warthog ivory is distinct from elephant or mammoth ivory. It often features a creamy white base mottled with patches of tan, caramel, or dark brown "bark." To highlight this natural variation, the handle is shaped with a flat surface, similar to our Ram Horn and Aubrac Cow Horn models. This design choice preserves the outer "crust" of the tusk, allowing the natural fissures, spots, and grain patterns to remain visible rather than being polished away into uniformity.

Where can it be found? This material is sourced from the tusks of the Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), native to the grasslands and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. The tusks are naturally shed or harvested, and because the warthog is a common species not threatened with extinction, this is a sustainable and ethical way to own genuine ivory.

Where else is it used? Due to its extreme density, Warthog tusk is a favourite among scrimshaw artists (who engrave intricate pictures into the surface) and makers of custom jewellery. In Africa, it is often used to create durable, high-end souvenirs like bottle openers or keychain fobs that can withstand years of rough handling.

Did you know? A warthog's tusks are actually self-sharpening weapons. The upper tusks curve outward and upward, while the shorter, razor-sharp lower tusks rub against them every time the animal opens and closes its mouth. This constant friction keeps the lower tusks honed to a knife-like edge, capable of defending against lions and leopards.