Ambergris, Sperm Whale
Description
Lump of solid waxy matter. Lightweight. Dark brownish/black colour. Sweet musky smell. Secreted in sperm whale's (Physeter macrocephalus) intestine.
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Object detail
Credit line
Ambergris
is
an
excretion
from
Sperm
Whales.
It
is
formed
in
the
intestines
of
the
Sperm
whale
in
response
to
irritation.
It
is
thought
that
the
damage
to
the
stomach
lining
may
be
caused
by
the
squids
beak
which
are
indigestible.
The
squid
is
a
big
part
of
sperm
whale
diet.
Ambergris
is
valuable
and
beachcombers
find
it
washed
ashore
around
the
world.
It
has
been
used
for
centuries.
In
the
perfumes,
medicinal
purposes
and
as
an
aphrodisiac.
Accession number
A70.699
Collection type
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