Archaeological Objects

Anthropology

1876 - 1900

Alaska

Arctic

Eskimo

Indian

Indians

Native American

Scrimshaw

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Native American; Inuit

Anthropology Item Information

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).

Ivory scrimshaw