Decorated shell

decorated shell

SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS
marad; scrimshaw
PHILIPPINES: Manila [?]
1882
5-5/8 x 6-5/8 x 3-3/8 in.

Carved nautilus shell, possibly companion to 1995.117.35 (dated 1882); collected by Captain Timothy M. Benson during 1882 voyage of the bark MARTHA DAVIS to Honolulu, Hong Kong, and Manila; shell has acid etched decorative relief; floral design across center of shell; holes drilled in decorative pattern; 3 of the 8 chamber openings have been broken off; glue outline in oval shape at bottom of shell; some losses along opening of chamber.[For details of voyage Mystic Seaport G. W. Blunt White Library Manuscript Collection.]

1995.117.36