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The Sperm Whale Weather Vane, Physeter macrocephalus, featured in this image is crafted of copper. Because our vanes are made to order, the choice of metals can be individualized. The Sperm Whale’s eyes are made from handcrafted glass and have black pupils. Eye color is chosen when ordering the weather vane. This weathervane can also be made with or without ‘water’ spouting from its blowhole.
This weathervane design came about while we working on a special commission to make a Moby Dick weathervane. However, we decided this whale was not fierce enough to represent the “Great White Whale” so we redid it to better fit the personality of Moby Dick. We did, however, like this design and have included it here in case someone wants a more traditional Sperm Whale Weather Vane.
The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales. It is the only living member of genus Physeter, and one of three extant species in the sperm whale family, along with the pygmy sperm whale and dwarf sperm whale of the genus Kogia. Its name derives from a waxy liquid, called spermaceti, found in its enormous head. The sperm whale is also known as the cachalot.
From the early 18th century through the late 20th the species was a prime target of whalers. Unfortunately for these enormous creatures, their heads contains a sought after liquid wax which was used in lubricants, oil lamps, and candles. Ambergris, a waste product from its digestive system, is still used as a fixative in perfumes. Occasionally the sperm whale’s great size allowed it to defend itself effectively against whalers. The species is now protected by a whaling moratorium, and is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.