Roman item made of mammoth tusk from Romuliana

Abstract

In 2005 an interesting bone object, a fragment of carved head of an elephant, was discovered during systematical archaeological excavation in Romuliana. It was found in the south-east part of fortified imperial palace in the cultural layer dated in the end of 4th and the beginning of 5th centuries. The analysis of material of this item unexpectedly showed that the figure of elephant was carved out from a mammoth tusk. So far, this is the unique Roman object identified to be made of mammoth tusk. The head of the elephant was a part of a figurine of the armored animal, often presented in Hellenistic art. This figurine could be a part of luxurious furniture or chariot, and probably derives from the horizon of life in imperial residence of Galerius.