No John , I'm not doubting that it's whalebone at all .
I'm sorry if I gave offense .
I've taken a few whales apart for the bones myself with a chainsaw many years ago
(ugh and Gag!!)
I'm familiar with its properties and IMO in a non fossilised or hardened state it wouldn't be a great material to do detailed carving with (too susceptible to chipping and crumbling) . The fact that so much detail was achieved I find impressive .
Is your wrongko carved in relief like this one ?
Got pictures ?