Scrimshaw is the name given to handiwork created from the byproducts of harvesting marine mammals that began on whaling ships about 1750. It is most commonly made from the bones and teeth of whales, the tusks of walruses, and elephant ivory. The drawings are made by engraving the surface of the bone with a stylus and rubbing pigment into the incised lines. It generally takes the form of pictures and lettering, most frequently depicting images of home, nautical scenes, and loved ones drawn from memory.
The works in this series are scrimshaw on used piano key elephant ivory.