S C R I M S H A W

What do you do when you’re drifting across the Arctic Ocean, surrounded by nothing but endless water and ice, with little to occupy your time – except a freshly caught whale?

To pass the long, monotonous months at sea and find relief from the hardships of life aboard a whaling ship, whalers practiced the centuries-old maritime folk art known as scrimshaw. Using by-products of the whaling industry that would otherwise go to waste – such as whale teeth, bone, or baleen – they transformed these natural materials into remarkable works of art.

Many scrimshaw pieces depict scenes from daily life at sea: whaling ships under full sail, dramatic hunts, or encounters with whales. These served as tangible reminders of the sailors’ extraordinary voyages and were often brought home as treasured souvenirs. Others portray peaceful domestic scenes, loved ones, or patriotic motifs, offering comfort and a connection to home during voyages that could keep men away for months, or even years.

Presented here are two authentic 19th-century sperm whale teeth, both hand engraved by whalers. The larger tooth features a lively whaling scene with a large sailing ship and a whaleboat in pursuit. The reverse is engraved “The Whaler Dominitan” and the tooth is displayed on a beautifully crafted wooden stand. The smaller tooth depicts a diving sperm whale above the initials “TUL”.

These remarkable pieces are not only fine examples of traditional scrimshaw craftsmanship, but also fascinating historical artifacts that offer a rare glimpse into the lives, skills, and experiences of 19th-century whalers.