Coconut-shell bowl

DateCirca 1833-1876

Mediumcoconut shell, whale ivory

Dimensions5 1/4 × 4 3/8 in. (13.3 × 11.1 cm)

Object number1979.48.20.2

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionCoconut shell, cut latitudinally, the larger bottom part to function as the bowl, the smaller, dome-shaped top to serve as the lid; drilled on the bottom for four whale ivory feet (two broken off, two missing entirely); lid drilled at center for a handle (missing) and circumferentially for three small whale ivory finials (one missing); the top and sides incised with geometric decorations. Probably intended as a sugar bowl. Condition: cracked with old repairs; broken and missing knobs and handle.Provenancedonors are grandchildren of Captain Albert Alexander Thomas, the maker of the scrimshaw.

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