Scrimshaw: The Art and Craft of the American Whaler

Opening Saturday May 21, 2011

The bygone era of American whaling led men on distant voyages in search of the giants of the sea. In their spare time, these whalers carved the teeth, bone and other unused parts of the whale, developing a tradition that came to be called scrimshaw. On May 21, the Bowers Museum is proud to unveil “Scrimshaw: The Art and Craft of the American Whaler,” a comprehensive exhibit of whale teeth and bone carved with images of Victorian ladies, renowned female pirates and scenes from the sea, tools made for mending clothes and ship sails, games made to pass the time, gifts and toys made for loved ones, and a variety of personal items – all authentic sailors’ work from a the golden age of American Whaling.

“This unique American folk art captures the reality of life at sea. The craftsmanship and design of the objects in the exhibit range from simple to intricate, but each expresses the experience, and often, the emotions of the carver.” – Julie Lee, Curator of Exhibitions

The exhibit features 90 objects from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Burton W. Fink and offers a fascinating view into the inside world of shipboard art of 18th and 19th century whalers.