Name/Title
ScrimshawEntry/Object ID
2006.1.30Description
Description: Family: Physeteridae
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Genus: Physeter
Common Name: Sperm Whale
Description: Large whale bone with etching on one side, capped by wood trim on top and bottom, with a rope at the base of the bone. Etching shows an eagle on top, a three-masted schooner in the center, and two whaling boats with two whales in the bottom area. Surrounded by a floral wrap.
Physical Description:
Scrimshaw is the name given to handiwork created by whalers made from the byproducts of harvesting marine mammals. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses. It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often, small sculptures made from the same material. However the latter really fall into the categories of ivory carving, for all carved teeth and tusks, or bone carving. The making of scrimshaw began on whaling ships between 1745 to 1759 on the Pacific Ocean, and survived until the ban on commercial whaling. The practice survives as a hobby and as a trade for commercial artisans. A maker of scrimshaw is known as a scrimshander.[1] Scrimshaw is also a surname. The etymology is uncertain, but there have been several proposals.[2]Collection
David Holmes Scrimshaw CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2006.1Source or Donor
David Holmes Scrimshaw CollectionAcquisition Method
Long-term LoanDimensions
Width
16 inDepth
4 inLength
27 inLocation
Notes
Notes: To be relocated to new display case pending construction.Location
Cabinet
Case #33Building
Freida Smith HallCategory
Permanent
