Keris with elephant-headed blade.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

This advice is not from me, it was given me many years ago by a recognised authority in museum restoration & conservation, I'm only passing it on.

"Do not use linseed oil on ivory, ivory is a very dense material, linseed oil will not penetrate ivory, but it can cause discoloration & other damage.
The oils to use on ivory are high quality mineral oils, oils like medicinal paraffin."

Linseed oil used correctly can be beneficial for wood, but must not be used on ivory.

In fact, my personal experience is that I have never had much luck with closing up a crack in ivory.

In Indonesia there is a saying:-

"Tiada gading tanpa retak" = "There is no ivory without a crack"

This is understood as:- "Nothing is perfect."

Hello Alan,

This crack in a tumbok lada hilt from ivory I've closed with a one week bath in linseed oil. The crack was opened for ca. 3 mm, now my fingernails can't fit inside anymore.

Regards,
Detlef