"Mincing"

MediumSilver Gelatin Print

Dimensions8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2000.101.2.76

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionTripp wrote: "The two foremast-hands are "mincing" the horse pieces into "books" or "bibles." Fastened to the rail of the ship and over a large tub is the "mincing horse," a plank with sides, forming a trough. The horse piece is placed on the horse; one man with a sharp hook holds the piece to keep it from sliding. The mincer grasping the broad mincing-knife by its two handles, passes the sharp blade quickly back and forth from side to side across the blubber, cutting it into thin leaves, which just hang together. These pieces are called "books" or "bibles." The thinner he cuts the books, the better the heat will penetrate every part and boil the oil from them."

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