Beginner guide · 9 min
Bone and horn carving in Iran
Editorial team · updated 2026-10-03
Where bone is used
Thin white camel-bone strips are a core material in khatam-kari. Bone is also carved into small boxes, combs, buttons and decorative panels.
Ethical note
Buyers should avoid ivory entirely. Ask what material is used; camel bone and cattle horn are by-products, and reputable makers disclose them.
Care
Keep away from direct sun and heat, which yellow and crack bone. Dust gently; do not soak.
A note on this guide
This is a general introduction written by the CraftPersia editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Workshop practice varies between towns and families; treat dates and figures as approximate and confirm details with makers, museums or published scholarship before relying on them.