Scrimshaw is an old "folk art" that was practiced by sailors on whaling ships during the late 1700's thru the late 1800's. They would cut fine lines on whale teeth and then would color the lines with a type of "vegetable ink" which would make the picture much more interesting.
Now the practice is primarily done by hobbiests although there are a few native Alaskan tribespeople who earn a living from making these scrimshaw for tourists. It is illegal to kill animals for their ivory, but in Alaska and similar areas it is still possible to find old (sometimes petrified) ivory teeth and tusks from whales, walruses, mammoths etc. Note it is also possible to use certain types of plastics.
Scrimshaw ivory with picture of eskimo wielding a harpoon. Signed (but I can't read it). The stem and bowl are silverplated.
Scrimshaw ivory with picture of eskimo wielding a harpoon. The stem and bowl are silverplated.
An eskimo is seen harpooning a walrus (950 quality silver spoon)
A polar bear is seen standing over a seal (950 silver fork)
Pewter spoon with a whaling ship scrimshaw picture in the finial