~ What is scrimshaw? ~
Originating with natives to the Pacific Northwest, scrimshaw was adopted and made famous by Yankee whalers in the early 1800's. As whaling ships could spend years at sea to fill their hold, many idle hours could be spent more productively in perfecting an art that may be passed on in trade or as a keepsake for loved ones at home. Hours would be spent on each piece, painstakingly etching and inking until the design was complete. Your fossil ivory requires the same care as all ivory. Keeping your piece dry and out of direct sunlight will ensure that it will not crack or fade over time.