I'm writing a story and I was wondering what whale baleen could be used for. I'm sure of it's characteristics. Is it very hard and could it be used for a sort of armor, or carved to be a decoration for clothing of jewelry? My story features a society in which young warriors wear something of their first kill for all their life. Some may wear its pelt, or its teeth on a necklace, but I'd like to able to use whales symbolically and I wonder how they could be incorporated. Also, all the workmanship in the making of the artifact is done by hand with hand tools, so if whale baleen is too hard it wouldn't be usable. Also, any information on other usable parts of the whale would be very, very helpful. Thanks!
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Baleen is more strong and flexible than it is hard.
Its primary use in the 19th century was for corset stays.
But it has also been used to make combs, containers, baskets, tool handles, and various decorative items.
It was sort of the plastic of the 19th century.
Its primary use in the 19th century was for corset stays.
But it has also been used to make combs, containers, baskets, tool handles, and various decorative items.
It was sort of the plastic of the 19th century.
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A hair-piece?
Imagine a grass skirt, but on your head.
And the bigger the piece the more respect you get.
Imagine a grass skirt, but on your head.
And the bigger the piece the more respect you get.