Title

Serpent crimper

Date19th Century

Mediumwalrus ivory, tortoise shell, metal

Dimensions7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.1262

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionWalrus ivory shaft, three pieces joined, terminating in the full-round carved image of a snake (serpent) with a tongue (with red pigment highlights) and teeth (seventeen upper jaw, fourteen lower); coiled around a human arm, the throat grasped in a closed left fist; the shank (center piece) inlaid with tortoise shell in diamond pattern; the working end mounted with a carved three-prong (three-tine) fork; scrollwork mount; walrus ivory jagging wheel, fluted rim, with pierced-work star motif hub. By the same hand as 1923.7.4.ProvenanceKranzler 08/17/1961 $150.00

On View

On view