Francis J. Degnan
OBJECTIVE
Students will create an etched pattern in plaster and be able to state the relationship between scrimshaw and the etched pattern.
ACTIVITY
The whale industry flourished in New England. The sailors in the spare time used the teeth of the sperm whale to etch pictures on. These scenes depicted the whale hunt or their ship or an event that was of importance to them. Another avenue that this lesson might lead to might be the study of whales and other aquatic mammals? What are the produce we get from them? Why are whales protected? What historical facts made Connecticut choose a whale for the state’s animal?
PROCEDURE
The preparation of the plaster can be done before hand or be part of the lesson. The plaster should be dropped in tablespoon quantities on to foil or wax paper when it begins to set. Once hardened, about an hour later, it will be ready to etch. The etching can be done with a sharp pencil, a pen, or a compass point. The final design can be wiped with shoe polish to bring out the design.