Whalebone fid

Date1820s - 1830s

Object number00029087

NameFid

MediumWhale jaw bone

DimensionsOverall: 280 x 35 x 35 x 35 mm, 0.2 kg
Display Dimensions: 278 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ralph Clissold

Terms

DescriptionThe fid is made from the jaw bone of a whale - the only part of the whale's skeleton thick enough to make one from. Fids were used as a tool by sailors to hold open rope knots or canvas. This fid has blood vessel holes, which characterise the bone and which are more numerous near the surface of the bone. The point has been preserved, but the fid has been well used as wear can be seen in the profile of the taper.HistoryFids were among the many scrimshaw objects made by whalemen to pass the time in the periods of inactivity between whale strikes. They were were working tools, but many were made into souvenirs.SignificanceThis fid is an unusual whalebone example of one of the necessities of the sail making trade.