New York (AP) – Researchers have uncovered the oldest known evidence of tools made from whale bones used by early humans.
The bones, shaped into narrow projectiles for hunting, were uncovered during excavations in Biscay Bay, a region straddling Spain and France, dating back about a century. Although the tools are ancient, many were found in small fragments, complicating efforts to determine their precise age.
Advancements in technology over the past decade have enabled scientists to date these tools to around 20,000 years ago. The bones have been identified as originating from blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and other species.
“Humans and whales have clearly interacted for a long time,” remarked Vicki Sabo of Western Carolina University, an expert in the history of whaling who was not involved in the current study.
Researchers propose that prehistoric humans crafted instruments from whale bones in various locations, including the Arctic and the South Pacific Oceans. Although there had been evidence of whale bone tools approximately 5,000 years old, a new study published in “Nature Communications” on Tuesday seeks to push the timeline further back.
According to Jean-Mark Petillon, a co-author of the research from the French National Centre for Science and Technology, ancient humans did not solely hunt whales. It’s possible they processed stranded whales on beaches and fashioned sturdy tools from the heavy bones to hunt reindeer and bison.
The discovery indicates that ancient populations relied on marine resources for survival. They likely also gathered shells and engaged in fishing. Researchers note that finding such evidence has become challenging as rising sea levels alter coastlines worldwide.
“This reinforces the significance of coastal environments for human groups, even in distant history,” Petillon said.
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Source: apnews.com