Elephant Table

A grid image of an elephant table. At the top there is a table photographed on an angle. It has elephants on the table legs. In the background there is a pink and yellow rug. Below on the left there is an image of the table top which has deities on the center, around it is floral pattern. On the right there is an image of elephant faces with ivory tusks.
Burmese Elephant Table from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Burma
Year: ca. 1890s
Materials: Wood and ivory

This table was purchased by the Harris Family on their trip to Burma (modern Myanmar) in 1897. Burma had been annexed by the British Empire in the mid 1880s, their annexation was met with hostility. Burma gained independence in 1948.

During their trip to Burma, Milly Harris noted the prevalence of elephants and their use in labour, tourism, and art. This table features elephants on each leg with ivory tusks. The top is decorated with figures from Burmese folklore.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.