The word scrimshaw is primarily used to describe the carving and decoration of baleen (sometimes referred to as whalebone) and skeletal bones and teeth (sometimes referred to as ivory). Other materials used are horn, wood and walrus tusks.

Whale scrimshaw objects were derived from two groups of whales; the Mysticeti (baleen whales), and the Odontoceti, the toothed whale. Mysticeti, 'Right' whales, are found in colder waters and were the first to be used commercially. Odontoceti, 'Sperm' whales, are found in the warmer waters of the Pacific and have an average of 25 teeth embedded in their lower jaw. Once scraped and polished teeth and bone were engraved or carved with a sharp blade or point. Engravings were rubbed with ink or a mixture of oil and soot make the image stand out.

In Europe hunting whales probably began as early as the sixth century but it was in the late eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries that scrimshaw came to prominence. Sailors away at sea for months or even years often had time on their hands and carved baleen, teeth, and whale-bone into a variety of forms. These included functional items such as tools and ships fittings but they also fabricated toys, cutlery and jewellery.

Geoff Barker, Assistant Curator, April 2008

References
Phillips, P., (ed), 'Ivory: an International History and Illustrated Survey', Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York, 1987
MacGregor, A., 'Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: the technology of skeletal materials since the Roman period', Barnes and Noble Books, New Jersey, 1985.
West, J., Credland, G., 'Scrimshaw: The Art of the Whaler', Hutton Press, Yorkshire, England, 1995
McClelland Gallery, 'Scrimshaw the Sailor's Art', McClelland Gallery, Victoria, Australia, 1986
MacGregor, A., 'Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: the technology of skeletal materials since the Roman period', Barnes and Noble Books, New Jersey, 1985.
Mossman, S., (ed.), Early Plastics; perspectives, 1850-1950, Leicester University Press, London, 1997

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+ Scrimshaw
+ Animal products

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