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Bowhead Whale Baleen Scrimshaw Art
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Bowhead Whale Baleen Scrimshaw Art
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Bowhead Whale Baleen Scrimshaw Art

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.109584
Object Type Scrimshaw
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Date 2015
Medium baleen (bowhead whale), hide
DimensionsOverall - 3D (Maximum, with hairs at point extended) H 3/4 in x W 114 1/4 in x D 6 1/2 in (1.9 cm x 290.2 cm x 16.5 cm )
 Overall - 3D (With hairs at point in curved orientation) H 3/4 in x W 104 in x D 15 in (1.9 cm x 264.2 cm x 38.1 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionScrimshaw art made from the baleen of a bowhead whale with a hide loop for hanging. The baleen is wide at one end and tapers to the tip, with long bristles extending from the lower edge. Engraved on the obverse of the baleen is a scene consisting of an igloo with a raised Alaskan flag at the center, flanked by two dog sleds each pulled by three dogs and carrying one person. To the right of the right-most dog sled, a large whale is carved over the ocean, and beside this is an inscription with the President's name framed by two leaping whales and a harpoon. Carved in the upper right corner is a five-pointed star in front of thirteen stripes. It is inscribed with text to commemorate President Barack Obama's visit to Alaska in September 2015.
Inscriptions and MarkingsCarved into obverse, from left to right: Tikigaq, Alaska 09-02-15 PRESIDENT United States of America Barack Obama Carved into reverse: Cyril Lisbowne; Maureen Reich; Herb Kinneeveauk III; Eva Kinneeveauk
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of President Barack Obama's visit to Kotzebue, Alaska on September 2, 2015 as a gift from representatives of the Tikigaq Corporation in Point Hope, an Alaskan Native Village Corporation.

The people of Point Hope practice subsistence whaling and fishing. The community is one of many in Alaska threatened by the effects of climate change, as President Obama highlighted during his visit.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
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