Mariana,
don't know if the Peabody-Essex is on e-mail 'though I assume somebody is.
John Grimes is (I think) curator of Asian Export art. Or you could try
Lucy Butler who is the Registrar. I know they have at least one carved
tusk.

>
> Here's another patron request that perhaps someone can help with.  A
> visitor brought in photos of a recently inherited carved elephant
> ivory tusk.  He has minimal information about it, thinks it might be
> mid to late 19th century.  It is a full tusk ornately and completely
> carved with what appear to be battle scenes - cavalry and infantry,
> pagoda style buildings at butt end, trees and other foliage.  A
> verbal description to one museum made them think it a piece of
> tourist art.  The owner would like to have more information about the
> piece, its origin, age, whatever.  He would also like to find a
> knowledgable appraiser to evaluate it.  He has had one less than
> stellar experience with one museum and the appraisers recommended
> by them.
>
> If anybody on the list has suggestions, I will pass them on to the
> owner.  And I will thank you in advance, since that works best.
>
> P.s. I have been given the name of the Peabody-Essex Museum as one
> that has a collection of Asian tourist art.  Anyone know if they are
> on e-mail, or who I might direct an inquiry to?
>
> Mariana
>