Scrimshaw: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
scrimshaw
[ หskrษชmหสษห ]
art, craft
Scrimshaw is the art of carving or engraving designs into the bone or ivory of marine mammals, typically whalebone or walrus tusks. This craft was traditionally practiced by sailors, who would create intricate artworks or utility items like forks, combs, or jewelry. The practice gained popularity in the 19th century, especially during the peak of whaling. Today, scrimshaw is appreciated as a unique form of folk art and can be both collectible and fine art.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He displayed his scrimshaw collection at the art show.
- The scrimshaw on the whale's tooth featured intricate designs.
- She learned the craft of scrimshaw from a local artisan.
Translations
Translations of the word "scrimshaw" in other languages:
๐ต๐น scrimshaw
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเฅเคเฅเคฐเคฟเคฎเคถเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Scrimshaw
๐ฎ๐ฉ scrimshaw
๐บ๐ฆ ัะบัะธะผัะพั
๐ต๐ฑ scrimshaw
๐ฏ๐ต ในใฏใชใ ใทใงใผ
๐ซ๐ท scrimshaw
๐ช๐ธ scrimshaw
๐น๐ท scrimshaw
๐ฐ๐ท ์คํฌ๋ฆผ์ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณูุฑู ุดู
๐จ๐ฟ scrimshaw
๐ธ๐ฐ scrimshaw
๐จ๐ณ ้ๅป้ชจๅคด็่บๆฏ
๐ธ๐ฎ scrimshaw
๐ฎ๐ธ scrimshaw
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะบัะธะผัะพั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแ แแแจแแฃ
๐ฆ๐ฟ scrimshaw
๐ฒ๐ฝ scrimshaw
Word origin
The term 'scrimshaw' originates from the 19th century, derived from the word 'scrimshander,' a term used in maritime contexts to refer to sailors who engaged in this ornamental craft. The root of the word is believed to be connected to the Dutch word โschrimp,โ which means to make something smaller or insignificant, reflecting the sailorsโ backgrounds and their need to create art from otherwise unused materials. Scrimshaw became particularly popular among American whalers in the Pacific during the heyday of whaling. Sailors would often make scrimshaw as a pastime during long voyages, utilizing materials like whale ivory and bone, which were readily available. The pieces they created ranged from practical items to detailed artistic depictions, serving as mementos of their journeys and experiences at sea.