What is it?....... answer a Bodkin (see update below).

This is a photo I took in 2002 during a visit to the Tilton family on Martha's Vineyard.

First, this is not one of my better photos. It's blurry...sorry.

There are a dozen or so other photos that were taken the same day. I will post them over the next few weeks.

BUT.....the question of the day.... What is this object used for? Maybe it was just an easyimplement to craft while on a voyage? Did it have a use aboard the ship?

The object is being held by Owen H. Tilton's great great granddaughter Donna.
UPDATE 1:
Bev the "research wizard" provides this answer to the "What is it?" question.

" WHALERS ONLY MADE BODKINS FOR THEIR MOTHERS, WIVES, SWEETHEARTS, AND DAUGHTERS. WHALERS NEVER SOLD BODKINS, AS THIS WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO POTENTIAL COMPETITION FOR THE NANTUCKET WOMEN IN THE MAKING OF DOILIES."

Pictures and descriptions of bodkins can be seen here, here and here.

UPDATE 2:

This much smaller bodkin is from the other side of the family. The Lockhart-Blacks from London mid to late 1800's. It's rumored that one of the aunts was a "lace maker for the Queen". More on that later when I find the documentation.