Hombill ivory

Hombill ivory comes from the helmeted hornbill, Rhinoplax vigil. One of the group of birds called hombills, it is a native of central South East Asia. It is the emblem of West Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. 

The casque is chemically different from ivory, so the name hombill ivory is misleading. It is made of a keratinous material that can be carved, turned, or, being thermoplastic, flattened or moulded. The red surface may be totally or partially removed in working. With time the yellow colour fades to a dark, creamy hue. 

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