From:Mokau Museum

Name/TitleScrimshaw Bullock Horns

About this objectThese horns were etched by a prisoner awaiting execution at Auckland Prison in the first half of the 20th Century. The prisoner's jail warden kept the horns and when he retired to Mokau he donated them to this museum. The beautiful etching is known as scrimshaw and is achieved when fine etching is rubbed with ink or ash to make the lines show up. The portraits on the left horn show the prisoner's judge and lawyer and on the right horn show his mother and two sisters. These horns are rare and valuable not just because there are two but also for their fine craftsmanship and poignant story of their creation.

MakerDennis Gunn

Maker RoleScrimshaw carver

Date MadeEarly 20th Century

Place MadeAuckland

Medium and MaterialsBullock Horn; Wood; Velvet; Ink

TechniqueScrimshaw

Measurements H 53.5cm x L 51cm

Subject and Association KeywordsAnimal products

Subject and Association KeywordsHandcraft

Subject and Association DescriptionNicholls

Object TypeCarved Horns

Object numberRA2016.001

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved