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Comment by ralfruns | Hacker News Reader

Who buys ivory? Are the customers mainly in Asia, and for aphrodisiac purposes, or is this a stereotyp?

Yes, it's mainly in Asia but it's not uncommon in the US either (one of the biggest opponents of total ban is, surprise surprise, the NRA). China is number one, US is number two.

It's not bought as an aphrodisiac (you are thinking of rhino horn), ivory is mostly to make decorative trinkets.

just as a heads up, the aphrodisiac thing is a long-running myth.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros#Horn_trade_and_use

Anything people believe strongly is an aphrodisiac is one via the placebo effect.

Except they don't believe that. It is said to cure illnesses and is in some cases a status symbol. Belief that it is used as an aphrodisiac was supposedly fabricated.

1. China makes so much fake stuff any way why not fake ivory.

2. How is the market for trinkets that big.

> 1. China makes so much fake stuff any way why not fake ivory.

People have been suggesting this for some time but it would probably only drive the interest in genuine ivory

> 2. How is the market for trinkets that big.

Ivory in China has been historically a symbol of wealth. The growing middle and upper classes in China want to show off their wealth, what better way than by buying something like this

https://geography3822.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/ivory-on-s...

China makes a bunch of fake designer clothes, many openly sold in US markets and stores. That doesn't stop nouveau riche Chinese from being the top consumers of "real" designer clothing/fashion.

NRA position on ivory ban: https://www.nraila.org/articles/20140305/ivory-ban-fact-shee...

I think your reference to the NRA is a bit misleading in this case. The NRA had similar concerns as people who repair and sell used pianos. That is there is a large existing inventory of guns and pianos that use ivory. A total ban would make criminal many otherwise innocent transactions.

See:

https://www.nraila.org/articles/20140305/ivory-ban-fact-shee... http://www.ptg.org/scripts/4disapi.dll/4DCGI/cms/review.html...

The NRA was pushing against it with much more force though.

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