A skilled artisan in Keralam engraving a decorative pattern on a buffalo horn piece.

Keralam Horn Carving: Distinguishing Craft from Scrimshaw

Introduction Scrimshaw is a striking maritime art form. Western whalers created it during long voyages in the 18th and 19th centuries. Consequently, sailors engraved whale teeth, whale bone, and other hard materials with ships, whales, portraits, and nautical scenes. As a result, people around the world closely associate scrimshaw with whaling culture. India, however, follows

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