The Bloody Keys: Ivory, Pianos, and the Hidden Cost of Colonial Exploitation

From the 17th century onward, the ivory trade became inextricably linked to Africa's economy and society. European demand fueled long-distance caravan trade and intensified exploitation. The rise of the piano made ivory a key component, boosting the trade and decimating elephant populations. Colonial rule in the 19th century exacerbated the brutality, enslaving Africans and forcing them into dangerous ivory transport. The US only halted ivory imports in 1988, marking a slow end to the trade. This history reveals the hidden suffering behind seemingly innocuous commodities, urging reflection on consumption patterns and the need for equitable global supply chains.