JOURNAL ARTICLE

World's oldest whale harpoons discovered in Brazil: Far from the icy Arctic, ancient South Americans hunted whales using whalebone tools.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2026. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Curry, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

The article discusses the discovery of ancient whale hunting practices in Brazil, suggesting that nearly 5000 years ago, early South American hunters used harpoons made from whale bones to actively hunt whales, marking what may be the earliest evidence of whaling in the world. Researchers analyzed artifacts from sambaquis, shell mounds that served as burial grounds and refuse sites, and identified harpoons that resemble tools used in more recent whaling practices. The findings indicate that the whale remains found in these mounds likely resulted from active hunting rather than opportunistic scavenging. While the evidence is compelling, some experts note that without direct signs of harpoon strikes on whale bones, the case remains circumstantial. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2026/01, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Politics and Government
  • Publication Date:2026
  • Accession Number:190861133
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