Object Number: ANSFM.2017.5
Sperm whale teeth and whale bullae were popular souvenirs among the men working in the South Georgia whaling industry. The tooth pictured here shows signs of carving at the tip. It was likely worked on by a whaler crafting in his spare time. Many whalers made carved and painted figures from whale bone. Carvings of bone are also called scrimshaw. Sperm whale teeth could also be used for practical purposes such as the carved napkin ring in our collection.
Crafting was a popular spare-time activity among the whalers, used as a creative outlet while they worked in the whaling. Many brough the finished figures and sculptures back to the UK as keepsakes and gifts for loved ones on their return. We have some of these scrimshaw and painted whale bullae in our collection. They are pictured below alongside photographs of sperm whale teeth and a whale bulla from the Scottish Fisheries Museum.