Peruvian brigantine and an American three masted ship
Date19th century
Object number00009278
NameScrimshaw
MediumWhale tooth, ink
DimensionsOverall: 149 x 64 mm, 0.35 kg
ClassificationsDecorative and folk art
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis whale tooth has been engraved with two ships. The two masted ship is a Brigantine, the red and white Peruvian flag flies from its stern. The three masted ship below it flies the American flag. Whale teeth were highly sought by sailors when creating pieces of scrimshaw. Today, these engraved teeth are the most popular type of scrimshaw bought by collectors.HistoryScrimshaw is a maritime folk art that developed onboard whaling vessels in the 19th century. To help fill the long hours at sea whalers would use knives and other sharp tools to carve images on whale bone, teeth and other marine animal by-products.
A whale tooth would be selected and the base sawn off for stability. The surface was then filed and sanded till smooth. The basic engraved designs were often copied from books and magazine illustrations, and were scratched into the tooth and the incised lines filled with ink, lamp black or other pigments. As the work progressed more detail would be added to finish the design.SignificanceThis tooth is representative of the common depiction of maritime scenes and sailing ships on 19th century scrimshaw.
19th century
19th century
19th century
1860-1870
19th century
19th Century
19th century
