Bosun's Whistle

Accession Number1986.008.0017

VesselSanta Margarita (1622)

Datecirca 1620

DescriptionThe Boatswain (bosun) oversaw all aspects of seamanship on board, and his commands had to be heard over wind, waves, and storms. Orders given by whistle were more readily heard than shouted commands, so a pipe was often used. Different orders could be given by varying the length and pitch of the whistle’s call. This decorative gold pipe was probably not actually used in rough-and-tumble, on-deck conditions, but rather was a dress piece that symbolically indicated the boatswains’ status and role.