Scrimshaw refers to the carving and engraving of ivory or bone. The Inuit frequently engraved images into their tools and ivory walrus tusks. On their tools, such as the drill bow, they engraved their daily activities in a sort of record or diary (Ray 1996, 103-4). The ivory tusks were engraved more for tourists and collectors, which encouraged designs other than depictions of the norm, though these traditions were still observed by some. Often, the Inuit would engrave western style illustrations or motifs (Ray 1996, 107).

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