Practising the art known as scrimshaw, whalers would carve the teeth of sperm whales in intricate designs, often depicting nautical scenes. This piece was done in 1792 by a sailor on board the British ship Albemarle. Like other ships which brought convicts to Australia, the Albermarle probably went whaling in the South Pacific after dropping the convicts at Botany Bay.
Using this item
South Canterbury Museum
Reference:
X 479.1
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