A sailor's carving or etching wood, on bones, teeth, tusks or shells. Frequently used as a way to pass the time on long voyages then to be traded or sold on shore.

a carving (or engraving) on whalebone, whale ivory, walrus tusk, etc., usually by American whalers

An intricate art dating back to the whaling days whereby the artist scratches an image into ivory and then adds an ink to add color.

Using a needle or knife point to scratch or cut designs on whalebone or ivory- then applying ink; similar to the process of tattooing.

Scrimshaw is the art of etching decorative designs into ivory or simulated ivory handles.

The leisure or occupational handicraft using whaling byproducts, started around 1820 until the early 20th century. It is the practice of engraving whale teeth ( sperm whales), bones, baleen, and walrus tusks.

To decorate (whale, irovy, bone, or shells) with intricate carvings or designs.

Type of carvings or designs, sometime elaborate, done by sailors on whaletooth, whalebone or othr bones.

Carved designs in ivory and bone, often enhanced with pigment rubbed into the engravings. While ancient carvings exist, most work was made after the arrival of outside sailors and traders — leading to cribbage boards, napkin rings, and other objects that have no relevance to indigenous arctic life. Some work is moderately valuable, though nice items can be found for several hundred dollars.

decoration of bone or ivory wiyh engraved motifs. Original word meant time-wasting.

A type of folk art dating from at least the 17th century in which whale teeth, whale bones and walrus tusks are engraved or lightly carved with a picture or design. It was a way for sailors on long whaling voyages to pass time but has become very collectible.

Scrimshaw is intricate carving or engraving done on the bones, teeth, and tusks of marine mammals like whales (especially sperm whales) and walruses.

Scrimshaw is the name given to handiwork created by whalers made from the byproducts of harvesting marine mammals. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of Sperm Whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses. It takes the form of elaborate carvings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engravings highlighted using a pigment, or small sculptures made from the same material.