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For internal use only
On Display: House - Counting Room
Tusk (Scrimshaw tooth)
Inupiaq Culture
1860-1929
Description
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.
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Creator/Artist/Maker
Inupiaq Culture (Possible maker)
Place of Origin
Arctic; United States or Canada; North America
Materials
- Ivory (walrus)
- Ivory (elephant)
- Ink
Museum Object Number
1959.0792
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
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Complete Details
Object Number
1959.0792
Object Name
Tusk (Scrimshaw tooth)
Category
Organic (ivory, horn, etc.)
Creator (Role)
Inupiaq Culture (Possible maker)
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/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Inscription
Location: Surface, center
Inscription: "U.S." engraved on inset
Mark/Signature: No
Subject(s)
- Maritime
- Scrimshaw
- Arctic
- Maritime
- Native American
Materials
- Ivory (walrus)
- Ivory (elephant)
- Ink
Techniques
- Engraved
Dimensions (inches)
2 (H) x 1.6 (W) x 24.8 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.1 (H) x 4.1 (W) x 63 (L)