Scrimshaw tooth, "Dont trust this DEVIL Doctor/ Martin Snow Master/ Whaleman"

scrimshaw tooth

SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS - TEETH
marad; scrimshaw
Snow, Martin
Africa, Guinea; Africa, Sierra Leone; Africa, Kenya, Mombasa
1827
ivory
Overall: 6 1/4 x 3 3/8 x 1 3/4 in.

Scrimshaw whale tooth. On one side: iron nail bent through hole with iron ring attached, sun with rays and face, cloud, 3 scratched areas, figure with rays around head, arms out and suggestion of vest. On other side: robed figure with headdress and diamond shaped mask, outstretched hands and feet, 2 birds and frog (?). Written on edge "Dont trust this DEVIL Doctor/ Martin Snow Master/ Whaleman" and "Wrecked/ -1827-/ Mombassa/ Guinea"; (Refers to Sowei masquerades, Sande society, Sierra Leone/ Liberia).

1947.1352