Ivory and the use of ivory has existed for
thousands of years. Early mankind used ivory, whether mammoth, mastodon,
walrus or elephant, to make utensils for various purposes such as scraping hides,
needles, bowls, etc. These were used for every day life and rarely decorated.
As time passed other materials were found
for these common every day chores and ivory was looked upon in a different
light. People began to carve ivory. Though the first carvings were primitive ivory
became an object representing wealth.
Intricacy of carving ivory was accomplished
as implements for carving improved. Basic stone such as flint, obsidian and
other hard stones were chipped to create a sharp edge and this was used to
carve the ivory. With the introduction of metal knives and chisels the
primitive carvings became much more intricate.
Ivory was very plentiful in many areas
of the world and because it had become a symbol of wealth it was in very high
demand. The Far East produced massive amounts of carved ivory pieces. Many very
intricately carved, unique masterpieces. Eastern civilization expressed itself
in objects of luxury where ivory was combined with semi-precious and precious
materials which are prized by collectors and museums today.
The French and other European countries
also developed art forms using ivory. Statues of ivory, chalices, bowls and
many others objects were very intricately carved and displayed. Many were used
in religious ceremonies. A lot of the ivory that has survived that is quite
old has been preserved in monasteries.
Sailors on whaling expeditions could obtain
walrus and whale ivory that could be fashioned into objects of value which
they made for the English tourist trade.
Ivory was also used for more practical
items such as piano keys, cane handles, billiard balls, toilet sets (brushes,
mirrors, combs, etc.) and other accessories. These were in high demand in
Europe and in American cities.
While the carving of ivory and the use of
ivory has developed over many thousands of years the art of Scrimshaw has
developed only in relatively recent years.
Scrimshaw is
an art form that dates back over 200 years to the whaling days of New England.
Accepted as one of the most important Folk Arts of our American history Scrimshaw
had almost died out in the 20th century. Today, this art is being perpetuated
by a handful of tireless artist who, in the manner of old, toil for hours to
create pieces of unique beauty.
Using only a sharp pointed tool and India
ink, American whalers of the 18th and 19th centuries intricately etched scenes
of the voyage and the hunt on a variety of ivories. Almost all of the scenes
depicted were of ocean going vessels, and things to do with the sea. Themes
Scrimshawed on ivory can vary to almost anything; people, wild life or buildings. Western themes depicting Indians, cowboys, and gunfighters are very
popular in America today, as well the desert and wildlife.
In some stores, especially in the western
states, you can find "scrimshaw" in abundance and extremely cheap in
price. BUYER BEWARE! If you see cheap "scrimshaw" very
possibly you are seeing items that have been "laser etched". These
are produced in mass quantity and all look alike because they are machine
made. If you look closely you can tell which are laser and which are actually
hand-made Scrimshaw. Put together several items with the same picture
(possible on different things; a knife, a belt buckle, a necklace, etc.) If
they are all the exact same, maybe different in size only, you know that
you are seeing items that are laser etched. Another way to tell the REAL THING
from laser etching is to look at the size of the etch marks. The free-hand old
world way of doing Scrimshaw will have varying sizes of lines or dots
and some will be lighter or heavier than others. Machines don’t have the
ability to reflect this very human touch. If ever you get a chance to see a
scrimshander at work you will see what I’m talking about, and have an
enjoyable time in the process.
All of my Scrimshaw pieces are the
result of painstaking free-hand etching, crafted in the same manner as it
was during the Golden Age of Whaling.
I hope you will come and visit my site
often. I will be posting new pictures from time to time.
Artist: Twyla