Press Release I Berlin, 23 June 2021

Terrible Beauty: Elephant – Human – Ivory

Ivory is fascinating – and polarizing. As early as 40,000 years ago, humans were using mammoth tusks to create musical instruments and intricate representational figures. In the more recent past, animal tusks have come to symbolize injustice and brutality. Terrible Beauty: Elephant – Human – Ivory addresses this topic with the help of a major programmatic temporary exhibition, a series of discussions and films, a programme of artistic events, and assorted educational activities.

 

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Terrible Beauty: Elephant – Human – Ivory
PRESS RELEASE | STIFTUNG HUMBOLDT FORUM IM BERLINER SCHLOSS | 23 June 2021
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Images

Piles of African elephant ivory set on fire by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This burn included over 105 tons of elephant ivory, worth over $150 million. Nairobi National Park, Kenya, 30th April 2016
© Nature Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo
Wildlife Cameraman filming African Elephants in Amboseli, Kenya
© MICHAEL CUTHBERT / Alamy Stock Photo
Mammoth
Die realistische Formgebung der Elfenbeinfigur und viele Details, wie der geschwungene Rüssel, die Augen, Ohren, angedeutete Stoßzähne und der kleine Schwanz, lassen das Mammut besonders lebensecht wirken. Auf dem Kopf finden sich sechs feine Striche und auf den Fußsohlen ein Kreuzmuster. , Datierung: 35.000 v. H.
© bpk / Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg / Manuela Schreiner
African elephant (Loxodonta africana) with broken tusk, Chobe National Park, Botswana
© Okapia / imageBROKER / Marc Rasmus
Elefantenzahn mit Relief, Cabinda (Angola), 19. Jh.
© Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ethnologisches Museum / Martin Franken
African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and calf walking on savanna, calf looking at camera, Amboseli national park, Kenya.
© Andreanita /Alamy Stock Photo