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whalebone / baleen knife and sheaf
whalebone / baleen knife and sheaf

whalebone / baleen knife and sheaf

Date19th century
Object number00006617
NameScrimshaw knife
MediumWhalebone
DimensionsOverall: 4 x 72 x 13 mm
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection
HistoryScrimshaw was originally a whalers' folk art and involves carving and engraving animal material, including whale bone, teeth, baleen, shell, ivory and tusks. Jackknives and metal tools were used to make incisions which would then have pigment rubbed into them to enhance the drawings. Engravings on teeth are the most widely recognised form of scrimshaw, however sailors made many small simplistic items of everyday use.