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treeseed commented on the word sailor's valentine
I have a book that shows wonderful examples of sailor's valentines. I had forgotten about them until you mentioned them.
Sailors' Valentines were brought home from a sailor's voyage at sea for his loved one during the early 1800s. They consisted of octagonal wooden boxes with intricate shell designs on them. The idea that sailors were able to make these on their ships is unlikely. Most "Sailors' Valentines" originated from the Barbados area, an important seaport during this period. Most historians believe the women on Barbados made the Valentines with local shells or shells brought to them from Indonesia, and sold them to the sailors.
Today, antique and reproduced "Sailor's Valentines" are sought for their beauty and uniqueness. Many Sailors' Valentines, both new and old can be found on the Island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
_Wikipedia
February 15, 2008
treeseed commented on the word sailor's valentine
View some Sailor's Valentines
February 15, 2008
reesetee commented on the word sailor's valentine
Nice page, Treeseed.
February 15, 2008
treeseed commented on the word sailor's valentine
Thanks reesetee, I just fleshed out Mollusque's word a bit because I have enjoyed these unusual artforms in the past and not many people know about them.
February 15, 2008
mollusque commented on the word sailor's valentine
We have a shell show every year in Philadelphia over the Columbus Day weekend at the museum where I work. It usually includes dozens of sailor's valentines.
February 15, 2008
reesetee commented on the word sailor's valentine
You do?? *writes date on calendar*
February 15, 2008