Whalebone stay busk (scrimshaw)
Busks like these were made as gifts for whalers' wives and were meant to be worn next to the heart. Busks were rigid pieces of whalebone used to stiffen the front of women's bodices. It would be a reminder of the man who made it when he was away at sea for years. Busks are often decorated with images of homes, hearts and peaceful images. A whaler wouldn't want to remind his wife of the dangerous nature of his job. This is a whale jawbone busk, or 'stay busk'. It is decorated on both sides with many images. One side depicts a raised curtain, ship with a union flag, a thatched cottage, a castle and trees. There are also two hearts with an arrow through with initials "A.R".
