Scrimshaw is scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically it refers to the artwork created by whalers, engraved on the byproducts of whales, such as bones or cartilage.

Scrimshaw is still practiced by whalers such as the Chukchi of Siberia and the Eskimos of Siberia and Alaska. This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.

May 1, 2025 · Scrimshaw is an American folk art form in which designs are etched into ivory or bone, then colored with ink. Although you can't legally use whale ivory, it's still possible for you …

Feb 10, 2024 · Scrimshaw is an extraordinary art form that emerged from the maritime world, etching its legacy into the bones and teeth of whales. Originating during the late 18th century, …

Jul 4, 2025 · From boredom was born the scrimshander. He is the artist who carves scrimshaw: images etched into pieces of bone, antler, or the like. This tradition, which may have early …

Today we will go through everything you need to know about how to scrimshaw – tools to use (and kits if you want to gather all the tools quickly), basics on how to get started, and two …

What does the word "scrimshaw" mean? Scrimshaw is a word caught up in controversy. Many say it comes from an old English nautical slang expression meaning "to waste time." But others …

It is defined in the 19th century book “ On Many Seas: the Life and Exploits of a Yankee Sailor ” as “ A scrimshaw is any fancy article made by sailors in their liesure hours; engraved whales …

The meaning of SCRIMSHAW is to carve or engrave into scrimshaw.

May 13, 2012 · Scrimshandering, as the whalemen called it — making scrimshaw — was an indigenous and exclusive shipboard art of the deepwater trades, practiced mostly by whalers …