36. Figural Whale Tooth and Whalebone Marine Cane
c. 1850 This distinctive marine cane is crafted entirely from materials harvested at sea, featuring a handle made from a single sperm whale tooth and a simple, tapering shaft of whale jawbone. The tooth was carefully selected for its smooth, rounded shape and appropriate curvature, creating an ergonomic handle. The artist-carver intentionally avoided overworking the material, preserving much of the tooth’s natural surface. Its softly ridged texture subtly suggests a feathered mantle, while the tip has been skillfully carved into the head of a raptor, giving it both a commanding and refined look. Inset glass eyes add lifelike intensity, giving the bird a quiet yet present aura. The overall design strikes a rare balance between realism and abstraction, restraint and expression, a hall- mark of high, quality scrimshaw. As a functional object raised by sculptural artistry, it reflects the aesthetic sensibility and resourcefulness of 19th-century mariners. Marine canes were crafted by sailors themselves aboard whaling ships during voyages that lasted three or even four years. Progress was slow, even with all sails set, and the journey took several months as the ship traveled up the Atlantic with northeast trade winds, often becalmed for long periods. To combat this restlessness and boredom, all hands were encouraged to create items of their design from the materials available on board. This intense activity continued not just for hours but for days and some- times weeks. Besides being considered Whaler Art, these canes are increasingly recognized as American Native Art and seen as sculptural objects rather than just functional items. In this context, the tactile carvings reflect the sensitivity and skill of the whaler artist and his innate aesthetics, transforming them into authentic great art with compelling subject matter and a signature style. This cane is representative of the golden age of whaling and is beautifully enhanced by a one-and-a-half- century-old patina. H. 5 ¼” x 2”, O.L. 33 ½”
$2,000-$3,000
In 1843, Joseph Bogart Hersey, third mate and ship-keeper of the schooner “Esquimaux” of Provincetown, wrote in his journal…. “3rd July. We then began to saw up and divide the bone, scarcely any of which was held in such high estimation as to prevent it from being wasted. The jaw and the pans were dissected to such an advantage that nearly all had a piece which would answer to make a busk or cane, and some were fortunate enough to get both.” In the whale's extensive skeletal framework, only the teeth and mandibular bones demonstrated sufficient density and structural integrity for potential use as canes. The remaining skeletal elements, characterized by their predominantly curved form, exhibited high porosity and were generally too soft for such applications. Besides being recognized as Whaler Art, these canes are increasingly referred to as American Native Art and are appreciated as sculptural pieces rather than just functional objects. In this case, the tactile carving is filled with the whaler artist's sensitivity, talent, and innate aesthetics, and, with its compelling subject matter, becomes genuine and remarkable American Native Art. There's a certain romantic charm in the intricate carvings, which seem to whisper stories of the sea and the artist's soul, blending history with passion in each delicate detail.
Continental Cane Collection Auction - 77
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker