An exceptional finding at the Valencina Copper Age mega-site in southwest Spain has piqued the interest of Spanish researchers—a rare sperm whale tooth discovered in 2018 during excavations at the Nueva Biblioteca sector.

This unique discovery, dating back to a 5,300- to 4,150-year-old mega-village, marks the first of its kind ever found in Late Prehistoric Iberia, as detailed in a study published in PLOS One.

The tooth, believed to have been retrieved from the coast and then meticulously worked on by Copper Age artisans, possibly for crafting personal adornments or symbolic artifacts, was deliberately reburied in a pit, leading to further wear and a hard crust formation over time.

Throughout history, humans have utilized ivory for various purposes, including ornaments, musical instruments, and sculptures. The durability and strength of ivory made it a valuable commodity that played a significant role in trade and cultural activities of ancient societies.

While much is known about the use of terrestrial animal ivory in prehistoric Europe, particularly from elephants, hippos, deer, and bears, marine mammal remains have received less attention. The discovery of this sperm whale tooth, weighing over half a kilogram and standing at 17 cm tall and 7 cm wide, offers a unique insight into the past.

Researchers employed a multidisciplinary approach combining biology, geology, and archaeology to analyze the rare sperm whale tooth. Taphonomic analysis helped reconstruct the context of the find, revealing evidence of bioerosion, bite marks from sharks, and signs of human activity such as drilled holes and cut marks.

The 3D modeling of the tooth allowed for a detailed examination of its surface features without causing damage. The study suggests that the whale likely died of natural causes and was not hunted for human purposes, shedding light on the significance of the sea in the lives and beliefs of ancient communities around Valencina in the 3rd millennium BC.

Written by Sanjukta Mondal, edited by Sadie Harley, and fact-checked by Robert Egan, this article is a product of meticulous human effort. Your support is crucial to sustaining independent science journalism. If you value this reporting, please consider making a donation to help us continue our work.