Lacking claws, armour or stabbing teeth, humans are easy targets for predation. But thanks to our big, beautiful brains, we figured out early on how to co-opt the killing tools of nature’s top hunters for our own defence — and offence. Here are some of the best examples of technology mimicking nature. Or just straight up stealing from it.
Top picture: Library Of Congress
Shark Tooth Sword, Kiribati
Picture: imbrettjackson
Calusa shell clubs
Picture: bob reid
Tebute, a Gilbertese shark tooth weapon
Picture: Joshua Drew et al./PlosOne
Swordfish bill dagger
Picture: mauifishingputters.com
Shark Tooth Sword, Micronesia, Gilbert Island
Picture: oceaniaart.com
Bering Sea walrus ivory harpoon point
Picture: Herigate Auctions
Shark tooth club from the Pacific Islands. Peabody-Essex Museum
Picture: Margaret Killjoy
Blue marlin bill dagger with tiger shark teeth
Picture: mauifishingputters.com
Western Pacific turtle bone axe
Picture: Carter’s Price Guide to Antiques
Eskimo darts made of ivory and caribou bone
Picture: New World Antiquities
Stingray barb dagger and cassowary bone dagger from New Zealand
Picture: M. A. Lurig
Whale Bone War Club, circa 1800, Nuu-chah-nulth or Makah
Picture: Travis S.
Bone Blade Knife
Picture: Practical Abstractions
Azilian bone harpoon
Picture: Didier Descouens/Wikimwdia Commons
Eskimo fishing spear made from the horns of a musk ox
Picture: John Tyman
Images curated by Attila Nagy.