Hunting Sea Mammals

lthough the pursuit of sea mammals has continued from earliest times, the strongest archaeological evidence comes from cemetery sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. The 4,000-year-old Port au Choix and Twillingate sites in Newfoundland provide a rare glimpse into the lives and technologies of ancient sea-mammal hunters. Fixed-shaft, long-barbed spears made effective thrusting weapons. Toggling harpoons could be driven into the mammal and retrieved with an attached line. Ground slate and flaked stone made effective end blades for both fixed and detachable harpoons. Stylistic differences reflect differences in technology, regional cultural preferences and changes through time.