Ivory Tobacco Rasp, 1600s

During the 1600s London merchants were primarily interested in importing gold and ivory from West Africa. This carved ivory rasp was used for shredding tobacco leaves, another major import.

With changing attitudes towards hunting and because African elephants are now in danger of extinction, the trade in ivory is now banned.

© Museum of London

Accession reference: Museum of London, 59.44/62


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