Object Number 1959.0792

Object Name

Tusk (Scrimshaw tooth)

Category

Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)

Credit Line/Donor

Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont

Place of Origin

Arctic, United States or Canada, North America

Origin Notes

Likely harvested from the north Pacific or western Arctic walrus population.

Secondary Place of Origin

Possibly Massachusetts, Possibly New England, United States, North America

Date

1860-1929

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Surface, center; "U.S." engraved on inset

Subjects

Maritime; Scrimshaw; Arctic; Maritime; Native American

Materials

Ivory (walrus); Ivory (elephant); Ink

Techniques

Engraved

Dimensions (inches)

2 (H) , 24.8 (L) , 1.6 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

5.1 (H) , 63 (L) , 4.1 (W)

Object Description

Web - 05/30/2024

For centuries walrus tusk ivory harvested by Indigenous fishermen in the Arctic regions also entered maritime trade for use by other cultures. This tusk is engraved pictorially to represent American naval officers Oliver Hazard Perry (1785–1819) and George Dewey (1837–1917). It appears to be a late example of scrimshaw decoration and is unusual for having an elephant tusk ivory segment inlaid to hold the “U.S.” inscription. At the time it was acquired, the tusk was thought to have been owned in New Bedford, Massachusetts.