Ancient Shark-Tooth Knives Unearthed in Indonesia: Unveiling a 7,000-Year-Old Discovery

Archaeologists have discovered two ancient artefacts on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi – tiger shark teeth that were used as blades. These findings, published in the journal Antiquity, provide some of the earliest evidence globally for the use of shark teeth in composite weapons. The teeth, dating back 7,000 years, were most likely used in ritual or warfare. The teeth were found to have been attached to handles using plant-based threads and a glue-like substance. They were used to pierce, cut, and scrape flesh and bone. The use of shark teeth in weapons has been observed in various cultures across the globe, particularly those living on coastlines and actively fishing for sharks. The discovery of these ancient shark teeth blades suggests that this type of weaponry has been around longer than previously thought.