Title

Turtle

Mediumwhale ivory, whale skeletal bone, metal

Dimensions6 1/8 × 9 7/8 in. (15.6 × 25.1 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.1319

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionArticulated turtle carved in full round out of multiple pieces of whale ivory, with some whale skeletal bone (plates on the under side); with movable, partially retractable head, legs, and tail. Highly detailed rendering of facial features, claws, shell patterns, etc. Fastened with glue (of indeterminate type) and metal pivots.
Possibly the work of a professional carver in what would therefore be an unconventional medium.ProvenanceRider Collection, Hamilton, Mass; Kendall Whaling Museum; New Bedford Whaling Museum

On View

Not on view