When examining an artifact and trying to interpret its context, the focus is often on what it is (shoe, scissors, button) and any unique characteristics. In some instances, the material it is made of can be equally significant. For example, a knife handle retrieved from the archaeological site of Angelica Knoll (18CV60) is of interest due to a distinctive inscription adorning its base: *I*R*E [Figures 1 & 2]. Noteworthy in this context is the orthographic convention of the 18th century, wherein the letter "J" bears a resemblance to the contemporary capital "I." These initials may belong to Richard and Elizabeth Johns who moved to Angelica Knoll between 1677 to 1717 (Sara Rivers-Cofield 2015). Of additional significance is that the knife handle is made of ivory.

Ivory, as an imported luxury material, appears sporadically in archaeological contexts. Its uses can range from decorative and artistic to plain and utilitarian. Depending on the degree of weathering and soiling, this can make ivory difficult to identify given its visual and functional similarities to bone. This can make it hard to differentiate based solely on form or function. It's necessary to observe subtle physical characteristics to correctly identify it.

As the tusk of an elephant* grows, cones of dentine form crossed by radial tubule bundles carrying blood. The pattern formed by the dentine and tubules can be viewed in cross section as chevrons or intersecting arcs known as Schreger lines [Figure 3]. By carefully examining all worked surfaces of an artifact, these characteristic Schreger lines may be observed. However, soiling, weathering, or the wrong cut angle can obscure these lines. It is also possible to identify ivory by the way it deteriorates. Ivory is prone to delamination and cracking due to its multidirectional structure and the susceptibility of ivory to environmental factors, particularly changes in relative humidity and moisture.

This layered cracking exhibited in the Angelica Knoll knife handle is a good indication that it is made of ivory rather than bone, establishing it as a luxury item. It may have been commissioned by the aforementioned couple or presented as a traditional wedding present from friends or family. In any case, it represents not just the relationship of the site’s inhabitants but their social status as well.

* Every species of animal that produces ivory has its own identifiers. Elephant ivory is the most prominent source found in North American colonial and post-colonial contexts.

References

Rivers Cofield, Sara

​2015    Explore the Artifacts of Outlander. Web resource, https://apps.jefpat.maryland.gov/outlander/Artifacts/Slainte/Utensils.html, accessed January 2024.