Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

Scrimshaw: How 18th and 19th-century sailors turned whale bones into powerful works of maritime art

The link between scrimshaw, maritime art, whaling, and sailors' craft is profound in the artistic style of scrimshaw. Born from sailors' need to kill time on long sea journeys, scrimshaw allowed sailors to keep the memory of their families and themselves alive. Scrimshaw is a type of maritime art that was usually carved onto the bones of whales by sailors, combining elements of personal expression and historical background. Currently, scrimshaw art is viewed as a vital element of maritime history, providing us with insights into sailors' feelings, lives, and creativity. Today, it also serves as a cultural artefact that helps historians trace the emotional and social dimensions of life at sea during the age of whaling.

The origins of scrimshaw in maritime history

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.