Sperm whale being harpooned from a longboat

The sale of carved whales' teeth and bone (scrimshaw) and other novelties quickly became a feature of Regatta Day in Tasmania. The struggle between whale and whaleboat was a popular scene.

This scrimshaw whale tooth is representative of the items sold at regattas during the 19th century. In particular this piece represents the activities of the Tasmanian whaling industry and its profile in community events such as the Anniversary Day Regatta.