How would you turn this into a pendant?

Hi TC! I managed to get my hands on a real whale tooth, legally obtained many years ago at Lahaina Scrimshaw in a grab bag of all things. I wanted to somehow get this turned into a hanging pendant, but remain respectful to how it may have been done in ancient times. Any of you carvers have any good ideas? I thought about drilling vs. just wrapping and want to make sure it is secure... without damaging it.

Thanks!

No drill! Yes wrap! with some extra insurance of glue.

Yeah I think wrapping is the way to go too... glue would make it more secure for sure. Any instructions for how to wrap such a thing? Oh, and what would be the best material to wrap it with?

Thanks!

One method of wrapping...
http://www.ivoryexperts.com/picts/tooth.jpg

It looks so beautiful as is, that drilling it would be a sin. Yes lashing/wrapping it would make more sense aesthetically but even with glue, it isn't 100% secure. It's a tough decision but if I were you, I'd drill, then hide it with lashing of your choice.

TikiMango shows a good idea or try this one(specifically Fri. 17 June, 2005 entry:

http://radio-weblogs.com/0128644/categories/boneCarving/

I use waxed polyester thread for my pendants.

Or another option is... you can sell it to me... :wink: LOL!

this has a small hole drilled, but the lashing covers it. most bone pieces have small holes to put the lashing through to start it.

Hmm, so maybe drill one starter hole... I wonder if I should go ask a dentist! This is one thing I don't want to screw up...