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harpoon
Sign in to savethumb|upright=1.3|Inuit|Inuk hunter with harpoon in Kayak, Hudson Bay, thumb|upright=1.3|Unaaq , a harpoon used by Inuit, long, MHNT
A harpoon is a pointed weapon or tool with a shaft that is thrown or thrust at animals, traditionally used by hunters like the Inuit for hunting from kayaks and other hunting activities. It has been an important tool for indigenous peoples, particularly in Arctic regions, for successfully hunting marine and other animals for food and survival.
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8 sectionsContents
- History
- Whaling
- Explosive harpoons
- Space
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thumb|upright=1.3|Inuit|Inuk hunter with harpoon in Kayak, Hudson Bay, thumb|upright=1.3|Unaaq , a harpoon used by Inuit, long, MHNT
A harpoon is a long, spear-like projectile used in fishing, whaling, sealing, and other hunting to shoot, kill, and capture large fish or marine mammals such as seals, sea cows, and whales. It impales the target and secures it with barb or toggling claws, allowing the fishermen or hunters to use an attached rope or chain to pull and retrieve the animal. A harpoon can also be used as a ranged weapon against other watercraft in naval warfare.