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Ancient Whale Bone Tools Reveal 20,000-Year-Old Economy

5/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Humans were shaping tools from whale bones as far back as 20,000 years ago, a groundbreaking discovery revealed in *Nature Communications*. By examining 173 bone specimens from Spain and France, researchers uncovered evidence of five whale species used in this ancient craft, highlighting a complex whale-based economy that thrived until its puzzling decline around 17,500 years ago.

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Story summary

Humans were shaping tools from whale bones as far back as 20,000 years ago, a groundbreaking discovery revealed in *Nature Communications*. By examining 173 bone specimens from Spain and France, researchers uncovered evidence of five whale species used in this ancient craft, highlighting a complex whale-based economy that thrived until its puzzling decline around 17,500 years ago.