Iditarod Scrimshaw – “Mush”

Iditarod Scrimshaw

Mush Scrimshaw

Mush Scrimshaw

This Scrimshaw is of the “Iditarod” sled race held each year in Alaska. It was Scrimshawed using black ink on an ancient fossilized Mammoth Ivory artifact which was used by the Inuit people as a sled runner. It weighs 276 grams and measures 150mm wide x 60mm high.

The Scrimshaw

I don’t have any progressive pictures as I didn’t photograph it or document all the details back then. The process of making it was just like the more recent walkthroughs except without colour.

1) Polish the Ivory

2) Attach the picture and cut around the outline and prominent features

3) Apply black oil paint to the etched sections

4) Fill in the darkest areas, then move onto the light parts. If you do it the other way around the shading and colours will become contaminated

The Base

The base is made from an unknown wood with an Ivory name plate attached using Sterling Silver pins.

Mush Base

Mush Base

The Finished Piece

This picture shows the finished Scrimshaw on its stand.

Mush Finished Scrimshaw

Mush Finished Scrimshaw

The End.

Contact Rod: randclacey@bigpond.com