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Oldest known tools made from whale bones dated to 20k years ago

created: May 28, 2025, 4:52 p.m. | updated: May 31, 2025, 7:55 a.m.

NEW YORK (AP) — Scientists have pinpointed the oldest known evidence of humans making tools from whale bone. Scientists figured the tools were quite ancient, but many were small fragments so it was hard to determine their age. Technological advancements in the past decade have now made it possible to date the oldest of the tools to about 20,000 years ago. Scientists found that the bones came from blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales and other species. Scientists think that ancient humans were crafting whale bone instruments in places including the Arctic and South Pacific.

1 week, 4 days ago: Hacker News