Ancient shark tooth blades unearthed in Indonesia: Evidence of early composite weapons

These finds, as reported in the journal Antiquity, reveal the existence of tiger shark teeth that were utilized as blades approximately 7,000 years ago, making them some of the earliest archaeological evidence of shark teeth used in composite weapons. This revelation challenges previous notions, as the oldest known shark-tooth blades were believed to be less than 5,000 years old.

The findings stem from the collaborative efforts published in The Conversation by experts; Michelle Langley, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Griffith University, Adam Brumm, Professor at Griffith University, Adhi Oktaviana PhD Candidate at Griffith University, Akin Duli, Professor at Universitas Hasanuddin, and Basran Burhan PhD Candidate at Griffith University. The team combined scientific analysis, experimental replication, and insights from contemporary human communities to conclude that these two modified shark teeth were once affixed to handles as blades, likely employed in both ritual and warfare.

As reported in the article, the two shark teeth were discovered during excavations conducted as part of a joint Indonesian-Australian archaeological research programme. These significant findings were made in archaeological contexts associated with the Toalean culture, an enigmatic foraging society that thrived in southwestern Sulawesi from around 8,000 years ago until a yet undetermined period in the recent past.

According to the report, a microscopic examination of the teeth unveiled evidence that they had been securely attached to handles using plant-based threads and a glue-like substance. This method of attachment mirrors that seen in modern shark-tooth blades used by various cultures across the Pacific. Furthermore, an examination of the teeth's edges revealed their utility in piercing, cutting, and scraping flesh and bone. Experimental tests confirmed that tiger shark-tooth knives were highly effective in inflicting deep lacerations, whether in combat or during butchery activities.

The effectiveness of these shark-tooth blades in causing grievous injuries likely restricted their use as weapons for both conflict and ritual activities, as observed in contemporary and recent history. As indicated by the researchers, communities across the world, especially those residing along coastlines and engaged in shark fishing, have historically integrated shark teeth into a wide range of tools. Modern observations suggest that when not used for personal adornment, shark teeth were predominantly used for crafting blades for ritual or combat purposes, including ritualized combat, as per the report.

Shark-tooth weaponry is not unique to Sulawesi, as cultures farther east, such as the people of Kiribati, are renowned for their shark-tooth daggers, swords, spears, and lances, often employed in highly ritualized and sometimes fatal conflicts. Similarly, shark teeth found in Maya and Mexican archaeological contexts are believed to have been used for ritualized bloodletting, while they served as tattooing blades in Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Kiribati. Although shark teeth have been found in various archaeological contexts worldwide, their interpretation has primarily been as adornments rather than weapons, according to the researchers.