The value of whale skeletal remains is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including size, species, condition, historical significance, and legal restrictions. A single bone’s cost can range from a few hundred dollars for smaller, common pieces to tens of thousands of dollars for larger, rarer, or historically significant specimens. For example, a section of baleen might be less expensive than a complete vertebra from a less common species. The market for these items includes museums, private collectors, and artists.
Historically, whale bones held significant cultural and utilitarian value for various indigenous communities. They served as building materials, tools, and objects of spiritual importance. The commercial whaling era, however, drastically reduced whale populations and led to the exploitation of these magnificent creatures. Today, international agreements and national laws regulate the trade of whale parts, aiming to protect endangered species. These regulations have a significant impact on the market and availability of whale bones, often making legal acquisition challenging.
