Object Record
Images
Additional Images [1]
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1946.7.1 |
Object Name |
Biospecimen |
Description |
Narwhal tusk biospecimen collected before 1946. The narwhal is a whale, which lives in the Arctic waters around Greenland, Canada, and Russia. It has a distinctive "tusk" which is actually an enlarged tooth with up to 10 million nerve endings inside. Scientists are still debating what the tusk is used for, but believe that it may be used to attract mates. Narwhal tusks were staples of 17th century cabinets of curiosity. The teeth, which are also sensory organs of the male narwhal, were long believed to be unicorn horns. Though expeditions proved they were from arctic whales, the myth persisted, and tusks continued to be sought as an antidote for poison and disease. |
Title |
Narwhal Tusk |
Date |
c. 1946 |
Material |
bone |
Dimensions |
L-58.75 Dia-2.25 inches |
Credit line |
Given by J. Kennedy Craig, Knoxville, in memory of his son, Capt. Brown Atkin Craig |
Subjects |
Animals Collecting Magic Medicine Medicines Poisons Tusks |