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 Scrimshaw Barrette

Very early (1750 - 1800) Scrimshaw Barrette made of Whalebone and Leather and inlaid with Mother of Pearl.  Historically, the Pigtail or Ponytail was actually originally worn by men as a practicality, to keep long hair out of the way during routine tasks and was a common hairdo among sailors, even into the 20th Century.  While the officers would secure their hair with a black ribbon befitting their rank, a Jack Tar or common sailor might decide to secure his with a Barrette such as this . . . An item he made for his personal use from the items at hand while at sea.

The origin of Jack Tar with "Jack" meaning man or boy and combined with Tar (or Tar used alone) meant a sailor, referring to the splashes of tar on their clothes. The reference is to the tar used in naval construction to protect the shrouds, lines, and other rigging and referring to the fact that the Ponytail or Pigtail, which was braided was often covered with tar to contain it . . .  Not the tar used on the shrouds and other rigging, but rather a sort of Pine Tar was used on the hair.  This, a very RARE Scrimshaw item.  How many have you seen before?
$550.00
P7F29047

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