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
Themes
-
Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of Africa and African people does not begin nor end with transatlantic slavery. Understand what Africa was like and what the continent lost as a result of the trade.
Background Reading
-
The Lost Libraries Of Timbuktu
Until recently, many commentators on Africa claimed that African societies had no tradition of writing. With the rediscovery of ancient manuscript collections, some dating back to the 8th century AD, this perception is changing.
-
Introduction To Various African Kingdoms