Arctic Experience McNaught Gallery Featured sculpture (July 2012) Unknown artist Whalebone carving 42'' high Found on the shore, like driftwood, whalebone is a popular medium for carving. In the past it was used for buildings, tools and sculpture. With laws surrounding the trade of bone and ivory and the decrease in whale hunting, the use of whalebone has become increasing rare. In addition, the use of new whalebone in sculpture is undesirable as it is oily and prone to splintering. Older whalebone may have spent hundreds of years on the shore before being picked up. The aged bone lends itself to being shaped by a skilled carver, like the two pieces currently featured in the gallery's main showroom. The picture to the right shows the front of one such piece.  An arctic hare is depicted, with a small wolf head to its side. On the reverse is a human face, seen here. Did you know bones in a whale's flipper correspond closely to the human hand and arm? A whale also has a set of bones near its tail which are not attached to other bones. It is believed that these bones are evolutionary remnants of hind legs. Contact the gallery for more information regarding this piece. Visit our sculpture gallery to see other whalebone pieces. Arctic Experience McNaught Gallery 191 James Street South Hamilton, Ontario (905) 522 9443 arctic.experience@gmail.com