19th century scrimshawed shells

Scrimshaw is a type of folk art that involves the carving or engraving of designs on ivory or bone. It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the early days of whaling in the 18th century.

The term "scrimshaw" originally referred to the practice of carving designs on whalebone or ivory items, such as the handles of knives or tools, by sailors and whalers during their long voyages at sea. The practice was widespread among sailors of many different nationalities, including Americans, British, Dutch, and Portuguese.

At first, scrimshaw was a practical art form, as sailors used it to create useful items for themselves or to trade with locals in foreign ports. However, over time, scrimshaw evolved into a highly skilled and artistic form of expression, with sailors creating intricate designs and scenes on everything from ivory tusks to whale teeth.

Scrimshaw artists used a variety of tools more... to create their designs, including knives, needles, and even sail needles. The designs often depicted maritime scenes, such as ships, whales, or sea creatures, as well as landscapes, portraits, and other decorative motifs.

In addition to being a popular pastime among sailors, scrimshaw also became a way for sailors to pass the time during long voyages and to create mementos of their travels. Many scrimshaw pieces were made as gifts for loved ones back home or as tokens of appreciation for other sailors. less...