Scrimshaw is the art of carving on marine mammal ivory and were primarily made by 19th-century whalers while at sea. These objects include purely decorative engravings and sculptures, as well as functioning tools used by sailors themselves.
The Seaport Museum holds a remarkable collection of scrimshaw from the mid 19th century and early 20th century, including engraving on natural whale teeth and tusks, swifts, busks, pie crimpers, canes, clothespins, ditty boxes, and needles.
