Scrimshaw whale’s tooth

1825-1860

Measurements

4-5/8 in x 2-3/8 in x 1-1/2 in

Materials

Whale bone, watercolor

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3612

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

Scrimshaw—the art of engraving detailed images and letters into bone, ivory, or whale teeth—was practiced widely and for generations.  Scrimshaw on whale’s teeth is usually dated around the time whaling was commonly practiced.  This example shows a frigate from the stern and prominently flying an American flag.  A lighthouse appears in the distance on the left.  The picture is colored green, tan, red, and blue.