
Ivory, derived from the tusks of teeth of certain animals, has been used as an artistic medium for centuries. This ivory sword is on display at the Musei Reali at the Royal Palace in Turin, Italy.

This Beninese carving of a royal triad dates back to the 18th century and was on display at Paris' Quai Branly museum in 2007.

The French sculpture "Descent from the Cross" (circa 1260-1280) was displayed at the Louvre in 2012.

These first-century statuettes of river goddesses were discovered in Bagram, Afghanistan. They were shown as part of the British Museum's 2011 "Afghanistan: Crossroads of the Ancient World" exhibition.

This ivory furniture inlay was also made in the first century, and featured in the same exhibition.

According to the British Museum, the Lewis Chessmen -- presumed to have been made in Norway around 1150-1200 -- are "integral" to its collection and play an "indispensable part" in the presentation of the history of cultural achievement.

These Scicilian ivory chess pieces (circa 1100-1200) were part of the British Museum's "Sicily: Culture and Conquest" exhibition in 2016.