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AFRICA: IVORY TRADE, c1900. Ivory being weighed, probably at Mombasa, Kenya, before
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AFRICA: IVORY TRADE, c1900. Ivory being weighed, probably at Mombasa, Kenya, before
AFRICA: IVORY TRADE, c1900.
Ivory being weighed, probably at Mombasa, Kenya, before shipment to Boston. Photograph from the American jounalist Richard Harding Davis The Congo and Coasts of Africa, 1907
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Media ID 12235312
1890s 1900 1900s 1900s Decade Africa African Commerce Davis East Harding Ivory Kenya Kenyan Mombasa Richard Scale Trade Tusk
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a significant moment in the history of Africa's ivory trade. Taken around 1900, it showcases a scene at Mombasa, Kenya, where ivory is being weighed before its shipment to Boston. The image comes from Richard Harding Davis' renowned book "The Congo and Coasts of Africa" published in 1907. In this snapshot frozen in time, we see two Kenyan men carefully handling an enormous tusk on a scale. Their expressions are filled with concentration and perhaps even reverence for the valuable commodity they are entrusted with. The sheer size of the tusk serves as a reminder of the majestic creatures that once roamed freely across African lands. During this era, ivory was highly sought after for its beauty and versatility, making it a lucrative trade item. However, this photo also invites us to reflect on the darker side of this industry - one that led to widespread poaching and decimated elephant populations across Africa. As we observe these men engaged in their work against the backdrop of early 20th-century East Africa, we are reminded of both the economic significance and ecological impact associated with such trades. This photograph serves as a poignant historical document capturing an important chapter in Africa's past while urging us to consider our responsibility towards preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
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