Elephant ivory has been exported from Africa and Asia for centuries with records going back to the 14th century BC. Throughout the colonisation of Africa ivory was removed; often using slaves to carry the tusks; to be used for piano keys; billiard balls and other expressions of exotic wealth.

Ivory hunters were responsible for wiping out elephants in North Africa perhaps about 1;000 years ago; in much of South Africa in the 19th century and most of West Africa by the end of the 20th century. At the peak of the ivory trade; pre 20th century; during the colonisation of Africa; around 800 to 1;000 tonnes of ivory was sent to Europe alone.