North Pacific, Hawaiian Islands, West Maui, Lahaina, ca. 19th century CE. A whimsical whaling period cane made from a sperm whale tooth and a lengthy rod of whale bone. The shaft is a tapered, cylindrical piece that is heavily polished with darker striations and inclusions across the surface. The top is surmounted by the sperm whale tooth that forms the perfect handle grip. The tooth, although hollowed out with the wide root end open, is surprisingly strong. The town of Lahaina was a destination for whaling vessels from Europe, Asia, and the Americas to replenish supplies. The sailors that came to the islands. The sailors that came ashore would trade and sell their scrimshawed and whittled pieces formed from whale and even walrus ivory. This cane is certainly a unique statement piece for any 19th century dandy. Size: 36" L x 4" W (91.4 cm x 10.2 cm)
This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 1995 to 2010
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#167393
Condition
Chips and splinters to rod tip, likely from use as a cane. Stable pressure fissures to tooth handle. Tooth is tightly secured to rod, and both have nice areas of yellow patina.