These workshops produced objects in wood, soapstone, and ivory for sale to both Europeans and Africans. Export objects in ivory included cane handles and stamps for sealing wax. Using iron tools, artists carved African and European figures engaged in activities of daily coastal life in relief on the tusks. The scenes were carved and probably meant to be read starting at the base and ending at the top. This lively tradition of genre art in ivory lasted from about 1850 to 1900.
Many Loango tusks are in private and public collections throughout Europe and the United States.
Because they have never been studied systematically, information about their original locations along the Loango coast remains tentative. During the 19th century, when many of the tusks were carved, the Loango coast experienced significant changes. The old Loango Kingdom broke up and new groups, drawn to the lucrative commercial life, moved to the coast. It is possible that, in addition to Vili artists, artists from other Kongo or neighboring groups worked in the ateliers carving tusks and other objects for export.