20,000-year-old whale bone tool rewrites human history

According to new research published in Nature Communications, ancient humans were making sophisticated tools for whale bones 20,000 years ago, delaying the earliest evidence of human interactions to at least a thousand years.

The discovery, based on an analysis of 173 bone specimens in caves around the Bay of Bisy, suggests that Paleolithic hunter gatherers could use at least five large whales and developed a booming whale bone industry that peaked about 17,500 years ago.

These findings provide unprecedented insights into early human coastal adaptation and abundant marine ecosystems that once flourished in the Northeast Atlantic during the last Ice Age.

Five kinds, an ancient industry

“Bones show that the bones are from at least five large whales, the oldest of which date back about 19,000-20,000 years ago. These represent the earliest known evidence of human use of whales.”

Using advanced mass spectrometry, the researchers discovered the bones of fin whales, sperm whales, blue whales, gray whales and right or bowhead whales. This discovery extends the range of known whale species whose products are utilized during cultures of Magdalene.

What makes this discovery particularly striking is the presence of gray whales – now, this species is limited to the North Pacific, which disappeared from the Atlantic Ocean in the 18th century due to whaling pressure.

Prosperity and bust of whale bone tools

Time-order analysis reveals a fascinating pattern. The production of whale bone tools began about 20,000 years ago with only a few scattered examples, then exploded 17,500 to 16,000 years ago and then almost disappeared.

At its peak, the geographical distribution expanded significantly from Asturias to the Central Pyrenees, with evidence of active exchange networks transporting whale bone tools over hundreds of kilometers. The researchers analyzed tools from 26 different caves and rock shelters, demonstrating the wide range of nature of the industry.

Then, 16,000 years ago, archaeological records remained almost silent. The reason remains mysterious, but researchers believe it can reflect changes in cultural preferences or the breakdown of coastal switching networks.

Advanced analysis reveals ancient secrets

“Zooms are a powerful technique to study the diversity of marine mammals in the past, especially when bone residues and objects lack diagnostic morphological elements, which are often the case with bone artifacts,” said the University of Barcelona Autònomade Barcelona Universiatat Autònomade. “We managed to identify species such as sperm whales, fin whales, blue whales, and other species that are still present in today’s Bisco Bay, as well as grey whales, which are now primarily limited to the North Pacific and Arctic oceans.”

The researchers used zoom (animal archaeology by mass spectrometry) to identify species in tiny bone fragments, many of which do not exceed a few centimeters. The technology proves 90% accuracy compared to the visual recognition method used by archaeologists.

Key research results:

• The oldest whale bone tool dates back 20,000 years – the most authentic known evidence
• Peak production occurred in a wide range of geographical areas 17,500 – 16,000 years ago
• Five species of whale identified, including the now extinct Atlantic gray whale
• Tools are mainly weapons: projectile points and hunting premises
• Sperm whale bones dominate the production of the furniture, accounting for 42% of the projectiles

Clean up, not whaling

The evidence strongly suggests that these ancient humans were opportunistic scavengers, not active whale hunters. It is impossible for Paleolithic people to hunt using available techniques, including a large number of fin whales and deep-water spotted whales.

Instead, these coastal communities likely took advantage of the floating whales or corpses on the shore. The unique geographical location of the Bay of Biscay, just a few kilometers from the coastline, makes this opportunity relatively common.

The study reveals an important detail not highlighted within typical coverage: the specific preference for sperm whales in weapon manufacturing. Although Sperm Whales account for only 24% of the overall sample, they occupy the most critical tool, taking over 42% of the projectile points and impressive front-end rate.

This preference may reflect the unique characteristics of sperm whale jawbones, which are long, straight and dense – ideal characteristics for making extended weapon components that are not possible with deer antlers or land skeletons.

Window to the Ice Age Ocean

Chemical analysis of ancient whale bones provides insights into the Ice Age marine ecosystem with sea levels 120 meters lower than today. Stable isotope characteristics suggest that these ancient whales have somewhat different feeding patterns compared to modern whales.

The presence of multiple whales shows that the Bay of Biscay was a very abundant marine environment during the Paleolithic period, more than today than today. Cool climates and seasonal sea ice create conditions similar to modern Arctic waters, supporting species that no longer live in the region.

Beyond Bone Tool

Although only bone tools survived archaeological records, studies show that these coastal people entered various whale products. There is evidence of the use of whale oil, whales (whales) and a lot of meat and foam.

In the Santa Catalina Cave, researchers found that fragments of whale bones were transported inland several kilometers, with 70 meters on the steep cliff. These are not suitable for tool making, but show evidence of treatment – which may be extracting oil or releasing bone oil for fuel and nutrition.

Effects on human coastal adaptation

The discovery is in line with the wider model of coastal resource development during the Magdalini period. This era had unprecedented use of marine mollusks, seals, dolphins and sea fish, which may represent an advanced coastal adaptation of the first settled coastal economy in Europe.

What role does the giant whale chain play in anchoring these communities to the shore? Research shows that although whales may not be the main driver of coastal settlements, their periodic availability has certainly been strengthened and these maritime adaptations have been strengthened.

The complex exchange networks that distribute whale bone tools over hundreds of kilometers demonstrate the social complexity of these Ice Age societies. These are not isolated bands scratching on the beach, but organized communities of organized trade relations and professional craftsmanship production.

As sea levels rise, coastal archaeological sites disappear under the waves, and this discovery becomes increasingly precious. They provide a rare glimpse into the rich ocean world, supporting our ancestors in one of the most challenging periods of human prehistoric times, and reminding us that the relationship between humans and whales is much deeper than anyone previously thought.