Images(2)

Scrimshaw button hook

Datelate 19th century

Object number00027332

NameButton hook

MediumWhalebone, iron alloy

DimensionsOverall: 8 x 102 x 10 mm, 0.011 kg
Display Dimensions: 99 x 10 x 8 mm

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Desmond Liddy

Terms

DescriptionThis is a good example of the commercial use of whalebone pre-plastic. The metal eye (similar to a needles' eye) of the button hook is unusual; most were formed as hooks, not completely joined up as an eye. Button hooks were used to do up and undo the numerous small buttons on tight-fitting boots.HistoryScrimshaw can trace its roots back to America's early whaling industry in 19th century. The craft was practiced by whale hunters who had plenty of spare time on their hands and is today one of a handful of folk art traditions that maintains a presence in contemporary craft practices. Scrimshaw is produced by engraving, carving, inlaying or assembling bone from marine mammals, including whale bone, teeth and baleen, walrus tusks and shell. Using jackknives, saws, homemade files and needles sailors would create functional everyday objects or artistic pieces etched with images of women, whaling scenes or memories of home. It is often difficult to determine exactly who and for what purpose some scrimshaw pieces were made and the majority of objects cannot be attributed to a particular artist.SignificanceThis button hook represents the 19th century production of functional items of scrimshaw. Although scrimshaw was usually made by sailors for recreational purposes, this unique piece was commercially manufactured.