Scrimshaw, The Whalers' Art, Collection of the Nantucket Historical Association

During long voyages when they were not pursuing whales, the whalers often turned to scrimshaw as a way to pass the time. The art form involved engraving images, some very detailed, on whale teeth or bone, not a simple endeavor on a tossing ship. The results were often spectacular. Join us to learn more about this unique shipboard art and to get an up-close look at the highlights of the Nantucket Historical Association’s extensive scrimshaw collection.
Presenter: Elizabeth Schaeffer, Interpreter, Nantucket Historical Association
Guest: Dan Elias, Robyn & John Davis, Chief Curator, Nantucket Historical Association

[@dennisneo1608]

I can't believe the talent of the ship's crew. Amazing artists.

[@chrisgriffin5184]

Thank you so very much Mrs Schaeffer and Mr. Dan Elias! Great historic presentation and very professional. Keep up the great work and never stop documenting this fine art.

[@beatrute2677]

Brave men all, lost sons of New Bedford. Thats good scrimshaw.

[@clarabrayton9360]

thank you. beautiful collection

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

Great video! I'm not an ink guy, but there's some great tattoo ideas on these teeth for the sailor jerry type tattoos...
Incredible work by these artists. The Dr. Roderick pieces are my favorite. The way he does the sea is incredible. It's almost like it's not what he does, but what he DOESN'T that gives the water that incredible look of movement. How beautiful....

[@watchfan210]

Very informative! Hope to see more videos on the scrimshaw collection soon

[@keithcheeseman567]

What a fabulous documentary. I owned a piece of scrimshaw back in the 1980's but sadly lost it over the years while moving house.

[@earth2becky]

There’s an ink maker in the northeast who comes from a long line of whalers. He reports that the sailors would use the ink from the squid and octopus that got accidentally caught in the nets. This made a beautiful sepia ink. Very interesting.

[@RichardLWhite]

Very interesting..thank you.. Hope to make it to the museaum one day.

[@sandcrab805]

Great video, so Interesting!! I have some quality resin replica pieces I love, and have made a few little pieces. Any sort of bone works, but my favorite is Bic lighters, they make a good medium for trying it if anyone's interested in trying it

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Can you recommend someone that could appraise a scrimshaw whale tooth from the late 1800’s?

[@zackmiller8373]

Great video.

[@jmp.t28b99]

I have several pieces that have been in the family for many years. The art work and detail is like the pieces shown here. Would like to know the authenticity of them.

[@nantuckethistory]

If you'd like more information on your scrimshaw pieces, please contact the NHA Research Library at [e-mail]. Thanks for watching!

[@hiphoppsychologist]

I have a scrimshaw I would like you to look at is there an email I can send pictures too?

[@nantuckethistory]

You can send photos via email to [e-mail]. Thanks for your interest!

[@taulpaul5112]

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