Scrimshaw: meaning, definitions and examples

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scrimshaw

 

[ หˆskrษชmหŒสƒษ”ห ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

carving, engraving, etching

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเค•เฅเคฐเคฟเคฎเคถเฅ‰

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบั€ะธะผัˆะพัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚นใ‚ฏใƒชใƒ ใ‚ทใƒงใƒผ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šคํฌ๋ฆผ์‡ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒุฑู…ุดูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้›•ๅˆป้ชจๅคด็š„่‰บๆœฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบั€ะธะผัˆะพัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ™แƒ แƒ˜แƒ›แƒจแƒแƒฃ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ scrimshaw

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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 โ€˜schrimp,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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,556, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.