So You Think You Know Your Scrimshaw?
What is scrimshaw?
Sailors could be at sea for months at a time when searching the arctic seas for a catch. Inevitably they had time on their hands and a wealth of teeth and bones from marine animals at their fingertips - the result was the unique and fascinating craft of scrimshaw. Read on to find out more.
The Scrimshanderer's Subjects
Scrimshaw was the sailor's art form. Carving the bones of their catches, they produced pieces which depicted a surprisingly wide variety of subjects. From real life observations to imaginary characters, religious tales to Greek myths. Read on to discover the mariner's motifs.
