While the origin of the word Scrimshaw is uncertain, we know that this art has been

practiced since revolutionary times. It did not, however, receive wide spread recognition

until President John F. Kennedy, an enthusiastic collector, brought Scrimshaw to the

public eye.
 The American Whaling Fleet has ceased to exist. However, this art is being
carried on by a few American artisans. Scrimshaw is the indigenous art form of the
American Whaleman, who, in his idle hours of cruising for whale, he devoted himself
to fashioning articles and jewelry of whale ivory.

   Today, the ivory trade in the United States has been reduced to "pre-embargo ivory" - ivory that 
was brought into the states before sanctions were set in place; hippo ivory - which is taken from 
animals that have been culled from the herds or that have killed human population; and fossilized 
ivory - ivory from ancient walrus and mastodons.
Here at scrimshaw.com, we are utilizing this and other alternatives. One of which is a

nut palm (also called "vegetable ivory") which polishes to an incredible likeness of ivory,

and whose hardness and durability rivals that of ivory as well. There are also other

resources, such as fossilized ivory, antler (which drop off every year - if you can get them

before the raccoons do!), and more.

    If you are a Scrimshander and would like to show your work here, I'd be more than happy

to provide links to your site for free. Simply contact me at aperkins@scrimshaw.com.