Where'd they get the ebony from?

[Keiri]

I have acquired a domino which I've seen online elsewhere described as made from bone & ebony. I know ebony comes from a tree, but it's a tropical tree (or deciduous dry forest tree...). I suspect they were manufactured given that. But presuming they were carved & made in camp, where would men come by ebony to carve? thanks so much

 

[Patrick H]

Depending on the species, various African regions, various central or south American regions...even Mexico and south Texas. The blackest ebony probably comes from parts of Africa, but most any ebony will oxidize to black if given enough time.

 

[JAGwinn]

Piano keys; I don't know exactly the statistics, but I'm sure a piano or two may have been a victim of the War. A salvage source of ebony and ivory.

 

[mofederal]

I could see the piano as the innocent victim in this. I think most would see it as a sacrifice for the good. Especially if someone wanted a domino set badly enough.

 

[zburkett]

There was more commerce in "exotic" goods in the 1800s than many realize. Ebony, ivory and even fruits, furs and textiles were commonly imported. An ebony table, or parts there of, from a raided southern plantation house would provide plenty of wood for a set of dominoes.