Anyone know what it is or its origins?

[nobrokespokes]

Hi,Looking for info on this.I got it years ago from a estate sale.It was in a box of random stuff ,I bought the whole box.It seems like its whale bone maybe.The carving and what it means it what Id really appreciate finding out.
Thanks

 

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[Bruce R]

Looks like a carved ivory walrus tusk, the style of carving puts me in mind of some Eskimo stuff I’ve seen. Just why it comes apart like that is a puzzle though.

 

[VooDoo710]

I think this might be something to the effect of this I could be wrong but my Grandfather collected it and has so many awesome things I am not a pro at spotting it but I am almost positive.

Scrimshaw is the name given to scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. Typically it refers to the handiwork created by whalers made from the byproducts from harvesting them from marine mammals. It is most commonly made out of the bones and teeth of sperm whales, the baleen of other whales, and the tusks of walruses. It takes the form of elaborate engravings in the form of pictures and lettering on the surface of the bone or tooth, with the engraving highlighted using a pigment, or, less often, small sculptures made from the same material.

A maker of scrimshaw is known as a scrimshander.

 

[nhbenz]

Reminds me of a carved Japanese sword handle.... might be totally unrelated, it just has similarities.

 

[Gare]

I believe it is carved and is from a Narwhal Whale

https://www.google.com/search?q=nar...HGKwKHYVYAewQ_h0IhwIwFg#imgrc=xI96ePn3n-fZ5M:

 

[ARC]

I believe it is carved and is from a Narwhal Whale

https://www.google.com/search?q=nar...HGKwKHYVYAewQ_h0IhwIwFg#imgrc=xI96ePn3n-fZ5M:

Good I.D. Gare...

Narwhal's and their tusks are rare... tusks that are carved are worth some bucks.

 

[tamrock]

I don't think it looks anything like a Narwal tusk. This thing has a slight curve and no twisted gain like that of a Narwal. Looks kind of Indonesian to me. Maybe it's a breakdown war club ?

 

[CivilWarSaver]

Elephant tusk ivory

 

[Skifisher]

I don't know much but my grandpa had some walrus tusk scrimshaw that looked just like that, but didn't come apart. I vote walrus tusk. And a very nice example.