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Artifact

Baleen Busk

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Martha's Vineyard Museum

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About this artifact

This corset busk is carved from baleen, the keratin plates found in some whale's mouths instead of teeth. Busks were corset stiffeners that slid into sleeves in a woman's corset. Sailors would carve them for their loved ones as a reminder of their feelings. This busk is carved with elaborate geometric designs, a whaleship and a tree.

Date:
c. 1865
Dimensions:
Width: 1 1/2" Length: 13 1/4"

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