Paper knife made from whale tooth
Date19th century
Object number00006638
NamePaper knife
MediumWhale tooth
DimensionsOverall: 3 x 88 x 13 mm, 0.15 kg
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis small letter opening knife is made from whale tooth. Whalebone and teeth were popular mediums used to make decorative and functional items as it was both strong and yet able to be polished and carved.HistoryWhaling played an essential part in 19th century life. Industry and households depended on whale products for which there was no substitute. Whale oil was used for lighting and lubrication until 1860 when kerosene and petroleum started to gain popularity. The pure clean oil from sperm whales was a superior source of lighting and the finest candles were made from the whale's wax-like spermaceti. The oil was also used in the manufacture of hundreds of commodities, most notably soap and margarine. Light and flexible, baleen - the bristle-fringed plates found in the jaws of baleen whales - had many uses in objects which today would be made out of plastic.SignificanceItems as this knife are reminders of a long established tradition and industry where great nerves, skill and fortitude were required to be a whaler, especially as the life on board a whaling ship could be brutally difficult. Examples of artistic efforts illustrate both the industrious side of the sailors on board but also a different range of their skills.
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century
19th century