Tooth sample from sperm whale caught off Albany, Western Australia, 1966

1966
Overview

Whale tooth with numbers written in black marker on the side.

Historical information

Teeth were extracted from sperm whales caught off the Western Australian coast between 1964 and 1966 and were related to research carried out by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Division of Fisheries.
According to notes by CSIRO scientist Dr Graham Chittleborough, the samples are the upper and front teeth of the whales. Some are whole; others have been longitudinally bisected and the exposed surface acid etched to enhance the growth bands for examination.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-140-31121238
Item type
Themes
Material
Width
40 mm
Height or length
170 mm
Depth
50 mm
Inscriptions and markings

Handwritten: “1” 28A66 46’ - 3” in black marker

Contextual Information

The CSIRO used the tooth samples to obtain genetic material for research purposes.
The tooth samples were originally transferred into archival custody with data sheets and tissue sample slides.
Tooth samples were identified by whale number, a letter or letters to denote relative location to a whaling station where the whale was caught, and the year in which this occurred. This information was written in the format: Whale number - Locality – Year.

Place made
Australia
Year
Attribution requirements

NAA: K1393, 28.A.66-1

National Archives of Australia, Western Australia Office

National Archives of Australia, Western Australia Office

Organisation Details
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Cream coloured whale tooth with identification numbers written in black marker on the side. Positioned next to ruler to show length.

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