by antiquer | October 15th, 2011
The Folk Art of Whalers ~ The Scrimshaw
While artifacts called scrimshaw have been found dating back several thousands of years, the majority of original scrimshaw as we know it, was created in the 19th century to the present. Scrimshaw is the art of carving designs into whale bone and teeth. We don’t really know where the term came from, but as an art form, scrimshaw is most noted for its historical significance—born during the advent of whaling by sailors who had time on their hands and whose imaginations captured the essence of the era.
A Classic Scrimshaw
Some scrimshanders, (scrimshaw artists) signed their work, but most scrimshaw is anonymous. The level of detail and artistry varies greatly, as the handiwork of scrimshanders could, at best, be rather rough, since they were using old sailing needles to engrave or carve pictures and lettering while being tossed around on high seas. Later artists began using finer tools, and even started using ink to highlight the carvings/images.
Original scrimshaw is just that: carvings on whale teeth, usually sperm whales and usually depicting a nautical or wildlife theme.
Sperm Whale Tooth Scrimshaw
Original scrimshaw can also be found on ivory from walrus and elephant tusks. Most of these originals are in museums, as examples of our whaling and hunting heritage. The value of scrimshaw varies, but because whale teeth and bones could also be used as tools, you’ll find scrimshaw on knife handles, kitchen utensils and ornamental pieces—collectors’ items that are valuable not only for their form but for their function, as well. In fact, one of the most famous scrimshaw collectors was President John F. Kennedy, whose collection was displayed in the Oval Office of the White House.
Ivory scrimshaw was used in creating jewelry and as furniture and clock ornamentation. Reproductions of “original” scrimshaw designs are created by today’s artists on various media, such as on belt buckles and buttons, necklaces and bracelets. These are typically housed in brass, the insert engraved on ivory: ships and nautical notables are often the subject, although nature and animals are popular subjects, too.
The artist carving a scrimshaw will utilize what animal bones are at hand, such as an antler, bison, and coyote bones. Indian ink is added to highlight and bring out the detail in these works-of-art.
Scrimshaw On Bone
Scrimshaw pieces not found in museums can often be found at estate sales, auctions and galleries—in the form of art, jewelry, accessories and sculptures. Presently, only artists and collectors should consider using or buying scrimshaw that was made using “legal” whale teeth and mammal tusks/ivory, as hunting these mammals has been prohibited since the 1980s and 1970s, respectively. It’s important to work with reputable dealers and other knowledgeable collectors if you’re planning to invest, as a fake scrimshaw piece is detectable by the experienced collector.
Today, scrimshanders spend anywhere from 30 to 900 hours per piece, because of the detail necessary to exact an image. The beauty of scrimshaw is not simply an art form that collectors can benefit from financially, but it’s an art form reminding all of us of our past—and that’s just priceless.
I have a scrimshaw my father gave to me and it has made me realize how special this art-form really is! The detail is astounding and I get nothing but compliments over and over everywhere I go.
Cool, cool website!
We’d love to know more about your scrimshaw, Salle. What is your art form made from and it’s style? Do you know the year or approximate date of creation?
The art of the scrimshaw is fascinating and we love to hear the details of one that brings rave reviews wherever you go!
Mary
It’s from WWII when he was in the Aleutian Islands and found one of the eskimos carving these scrimshaws from ivory from the walrus tusks. Mine is a bracelet that holds my watch with elastic threads to slip over my wrist. It has walrus with open mouths and tiny tusks, eskimo faces, polar bears and fish. Each piece that makes the bracelet is a different figure and is in perfect condition. I love it and I wear it everyday.
Hi Salle and thanks for telling us about your treasured scrimshaw. It sounds quite rare and how exciting for it to be in perfect condition. This is a very valuable piece from what you’ve told us.
One thing to consider when wearing your art work on your wrist each day. Since it has elastic threads allowing you to slip it over your wrist, you must consider the wear over time will eventually harm your ivory carvings. The treads could break too and then it could be lost. We recommend seeing a jeweler to see if they can make a clasp for you to take your rare antique scrimshaw on and off. It will help protect the wear on the individual pieces that make up your bracelet and with a safety catch it will help ensure you don’t loose it.
It sounds wonderful and we hope it last for many, many years.
Mary
Hi Mary,
You’re right about the elastic working on my pieces. I can see the holes the threads go through darkening, but hope that might be dirt getting in there from wearing it every day. Dirt inside the holes does not sound good either. Anyway, I will take to my jeweler and see about a cleaning and a better way to be able to keep wearing it and protect my beautiful momento from my father. Thanks Mary, that was nice of you to tell me that. Salle
You are most welcome Salle!
Hi, I have in my posession a whales tooth that was given to me in 1965 by my father. He got this off hos Uncle who was a seaman. Inside the tooth it says ‘Brought back from America 1st May 1870 Whales tooth’ is this of any value? regards Gill Brydon
Hello Gillian,
Yes, we do believe this scrimshaw holds much value. Remember it’s condition, age and unique characters are key in the value it holds today.
This sounds like an old antique scrimshaw treasure to keep safe or sell to a reputable maritime collector.