The Helmeted Hornbill, native to the lowland tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, is now Critically Endangered due to illegal poaching and habitat loss. Unlike other hornbills, it has a dense solid casque, known as “red ivory”, which has long been valued for carving into luxury objects and status symbols. As restrictions have increased, black-market demand has intensified, driving further hunting and trafficking. Red for Black responds to this violence through the image of a Helmeted Hornbill skull breaking through a suitcase, symbolically “pecking” its way out and exposing the hidden realities of wildlife smuggling. The battered case alludes to illegal trade routes, while rich purple velvet inside references luxury, power, and the value placed on “red ivory”. Garnet beads join the two halves, allowing the piece to be assembled and worn as a mini handbag, evoking both bloodshed and resilience in the fight to protect this species.
Product: mini decorative purse/ bracelet - interactive objet d’art
Materials: tagua nut, copper, garnet, velvet, sterling silver
Measurements: 35 mm x 46 mm x 35 mm
Weight: 53 g