Sailor's Valentines

Happy St. Valentine’s Day Everyone,

The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has many precious stories, artifacts and images in its collection. On a day like today, though, two items stand out above the rest: our Sailor’s Valentines.

Sailor’s Valentines are relatively flat, hinged boxes, often octagonal in shape. When opened, the viewer is treated to two panels (one in each half) of shells, which have been arranged in gaily coloured designs. Messages are sometimes included, with small seed shells spelling out words of devotion.

Mariners were often away from home for long periods of time. Although the best-known trips were aboard whaling vessels, the North Atlantic fishermen also had their trips "away". When the salt fish were properly cured (dried), the shipments were sent to places as far away as Spain, Portugal, England, the West Indies and South America. Some members of the fishing crews would spend months going to and fro, taking the salt fish to the buyers and returning with cargoes of rum, salt, molasses, bananas, coconuts and other items.

It was during their runs to the south, including voyages to the West Indies, that gave fishermen the opportunity to get shells to craft their Sailor’s Valentines. If they were not artistically inclined, a visit to the West Indies also gave them a chance to buy a Sailor’s Valentine already fashioned with the exotic local shells.

Wishing you Smooth Sailing,

Heather