Scrimshaw

Object/Artifact

-

Crater Rock Museum

Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw

Name/Title

Scrimshaw

Entry/Object ID

2006.1.31

Description

Description: Family: Physeteridae Class: Mammalia Order: Cetacea Genus: Physeter Common Name: Sperm Whale Description: Sperm whale 'jaw bone' with etchings on one side, illustrating significant events in the history of the frigate U.S.S. Constitution ('Old Ironsides') through 1881. From large end to small end, very fine etchings show front view of Constitution under full sail (including scudding sails), rear view of Constitution in drydock (Charlestown) with a banner reading "Boston Navy Yard - 1979", a sailor with a whistle (Bosun's Mate), Constitution in battle while sailing as flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron with a banner reading "Pirate Stronghold at Tripoli -1804", Constitution in battle with H.M.S. Guerriere with a banner reading "The Constitution and Guerrier - War of 1812", Constitution and unknown steamship with a banner reading "Civil War Days of Newport R.I.", Constitution and two tugs when she was placed out of commission with a banner reading "New York Harbor - 1881", and (last) an eagle with U.S. shield . 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 Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2006.1

Source or Donor

David Holmes Scrimshaw Collection

Acquisition Method

Long-term Loan

Dimensions

Width

6-1/4 in

Depth

4-1/8 in

Length

54 in

Location

Notes

Notes: To be relocated to new display case pending construction.

Location

Cabinet

Case #33

Building

Freida Smith Hall

Category

Permanent