Images(5)

Fid for lace making

Date19th century

Object number00006652

NameScrimshaw

MediumWhale tooth

DimensionsOverall: 11 x 153 x 11 mm

ClassificationsDecorative and folk art

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis whale bone fid was carved by a sailor and features a ove heart shape at the top of the handle. Small scrimshaw pieces were often made out of whaling by-products and given as gifts to family and loved ones. Fids could be used as tools onboard sailing ships or in this instance as an implement to make lace. HistoryScrimshaw is produced by engraving, carving, inlaying or assembling bone from marine mammals, such as whale bone, teeth and baleen, walrus tusks and shell. Using jackknives, saws, homemade files and sharp sail needles, sailors etched images of women, whaling scenes or other memories of home.SignificanceThis fid represents the production of functional items of scrimshaw as gifts.