Engraved Sperm Whale Tooth 4

Identifier: 1991.0101.176.d
Title: Engraved Sperm Whale Tooth 4
Creator: Frederick Myrick (American, 1808 - 1862)
Measurements: 15.2 x 6.3 cm (6 x 2 1/2 inches)
Materials: whale ivory; lampblack
Technique: engraving (action)
Date Created: February 6, 1829
Location: Nantucket Historical Association
Subject: Scrimshaws; Whaling ships; Whaling
Description: A sperm whale’s tooth, inscribed with a poem. Whereas baleen was used in the manufacture of boxes, bags, trunks, canes, umbrellas, and garments such as corsets, bodices, and skirts, whale ivory and bone and walrus ivory had no commercial value and were given to the crew, who engraved or carved them during downtime. Scrimshaw was kept as a memento or gifted to loved ones upon return home. Images were not limited to scenes of whaling voyages - women, children, eagles, and buildings were popular subjects. Frederick Myrick produced 37 known carvings while serving aboard the Susan of Nantucket from 1826 until 1829, referred to as “Susan’s Teeth.” He was the first American whaler to sign and date his scrimshaw. All three Susan’s Teeth in the Nantucket Historical Association’s collection and all four in the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s feature this poem.
Inscriptions: Inscribed: Death to the living long life to the killers \ Success to sailors wives & greasy luck to whalers