Whalebone

Whalebone refers to the baleen plates found in the mouths of baleen whales. These plates, made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails and hair), hang down from the upper jaw and are used to filter small organisms like krill and plankton from the water. Historically, whalebone was a valuable commodity, used in the manufacture of various items due to its flexibility, strength, and pliability. Its use dramatically declined with the advent of synthetic materials, although it's a reminder of an era when natural resources drove industry and fashion.

Whalebone meaning with examples

• The corset was traditionally stiffened with whalebone, creating a desired hourglass figure that was very fashionable during the Victorian era. This use contributed to the decline of the whale population as many whales were hunted for the use of their bone.
• Before the invention of steel-cored umbrellas, the flexible ribs of umbrellas were frequently fashioned from strips of whalebone, providing both strength and a degree of water resistance in the design. These were expensive items.
• Old photographs often show elegant ladies in whalebone-supported bustles, which significantly enhanced the shape of the skirts of their dresses, creating volume at the rear, and required skilled artisans for the design.
• The intricate carving on the handle of the antique walking stick was supposedly made from whalebone, adding a unique, textured feel and visual appeal to the expensive and prestigious item. It was a mark of wealth.
• Museums often display historical artifacts, such as corsets, parasols, and stays, made with whalebone. They serve as a glimpse into historical periods of social norms, and demonstrate how important whalebone was to society.