Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth, mid-19th Century

Description:

This small sperm whale's tooth is highly polished, but only has an unfinished freehand carving on one side. Identifiable by the whaleboats on davits along the right or starboard side, a small three-masted whaleship sails from left to right on a choppy sea. The ship's hull is deeply carved and detailed, but the sails are only outlined, with some sketchy standing rigging just started by the artist.

Date Made: mid 19th century

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Work and Industry: Maritime, Cultures & Communities, Scrimshaw

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: From the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Wilbur J. Gould

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1978.0052.33Accession Number: 1978.0052Catalog Number: 1978.52.33

Object Name: scrimshawscrimshaw tooth, whale

Physical Description: whale tooth (overall material)scrimshaw (overall production method/technique)Measurements: overall: 5 in x 1 5/8 in x 1 1/8 in; 12.7 cm x 4.1275 cm x 2.8575 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-a2d5-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1349143

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