Unknown Bone Item Talisman? Tool?

russel · 2nd July 2013, 11:00 PM

Colin is spot on. It is DEFINATELY a sail making tool. Carved (by idle sailors) from whale bone. I work at a museum in Tasmania, an island with (sadly) a long whaling history. I see a lot of these. If only edged weapons where as common locally!

I'm happy to provide pics of other examples if anyone is interested. Although it is pretty off topic, so maybe best to pm me if you want images.

Cheers - Russel

trenchwarfare · 2nd July 2013, 11:38 PM

Thanks Russel. PM sent.

Rick · 3rd July 2013, 12:59 AM

The shape looks damned uncomfortable to hold for the use given .

trenchwarfare · 3rd July 2013, 04:31 AM

Rick, it pretty much is. Depending on where/how you hold it. I think it is a multi-use tool.

2nd July 2013, 11:00 PM	#1
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	Sail making Colin is spot on. It is DEFINATELY a sail making tool. Carved (by idle sailors) from whale bone. I work at a museum in Tasmania, an island with (sadly) a long whaling history. I see a lot of these. If only edged weapons where as common locally! I'm happy to provide pics of other examples if anyone is interested. Although it is pretty off topic, so maybe best to pm me if you want images. Cheers - Russel

2nd July 2013, 11:38 PM	#2
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Thanks Russel. PM sent.

3rd July 2013, 12:59 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	The shape looks damned uncomfortable to hold for the use given .

3rd July 2013, 04:31 AM	#4
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Rick, it pretty much is. Depending on where/how you hold it. I think it is a multi-use tool.