They are located in the mandible, and there are vestigial teeth in the jaw, which are covered with gums. The teeth of sperm whales were once used by whalers to carve into them–these were known as scrimshaw. These carvings were created during long expeditions on whaling ships, and usually depicted genre scenes, landscapes, or scenes from the lives of sailors. They became popular as fireplace sculptures and are still highly regarded by collectors today.
Today, the technique used by sailors is used to decorate objects made of bone or antler, popular for decorating knife handles.
