Story: Māori–Pākehā relations

Carved whale's tooth

Carved whale's tooth

The whaling industry left many lasting signs of contact between Māori and other peoples. This whale’s tooth, showing a Māori chief with a moko, was carved by N. Wolfe of South Carolina, USA. This kind of carving, known as scrimshaw, was a popular pastime among whaling crews.

Using this item

Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum
Reference: Don Grady, Sealers and whalers in New Zealand waters. Auckland: Reed Publishers, 1986, p.145
Photograph by Don Grady

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Māori–Pākehā relations - Whaling stations – first contact', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/28550/carved-whales-tooth (accessed 5 May 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 5 May 2011