Traditions in Ivory

Although elephants never lived in Adonara, a bride’s dowry is still paid in ivory. We do not know exactly when and why ivory began to be used as a dowry, but we can assume that it was a long time ago.

What Ivory Means

When an elephant tusk is given as a dowry, it represents much more than part of an animal; it symbolizes the dignity of the bride. Ivory even represents the woman herself, expressing appreciation for her trust, honesty, sincerity, and friendship. The ivory is considered sacred, not only as a source of wealth but livelihood in general.

Marriage is also more than it seems at first glance. It signifies not only the union of one man and one woman as husband and wife, but also the union of two families. Consequently, each family appoints a representative to negotiate the exchange.

Measurement

The ivory pieces used as dowries are classified into types according to their length, measured in fathoms. One fathom equals the distance between the tip of the middle finger of the left hand to the tip of the middle finger of the right hand of the outstretched arms of an adult. The longest ivory is more than one fathom long, the second longest is exactly one, and the rest less than one fathom. These categories vary according to the social status and clan to which the bride belongs.

Dowry Delivery

At the time of delivering the dowry, goats and pigs might also be included. As a final part of the exchange, the bride’s family may provide woven fabric in return for the ivory and animals received.

In 2017, local residents estimated the customary value of the longest elephant tusks at between 125 million and 150 million Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Shorter tusks were valued at between 30 million and 120 million IDR.

At that time, the price of woven fabric was between IDR 200,000 and 300,000, the price of a goat was about IDR 5 million, and that of a pig was IDR 3.5 million. The value of animals and woven fabrics can vary depending on local prices and the particular agreement between the two families.

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