Long-term study of the most ancient epochs of humankind indicates that fishing was an integral part of humans’ economic activity. It became such in the Mesolithic era, about ten thousand years ago. However, people learned to fish using various methods much earlier.

One of the oldest specialized tools discovered by archaeologists is a fishing hook.

Recently, several hooks have been found in different parts of the world that were created much earlier than any previously discovered by scientists.

Some of them were discovered during excavations on the Japanese island of Okinawa, in the Sakitari cave. These hooks were made from the shells of marine mollusks called “trochus.” One hook was completely ready for use, the second one was left unfinished for some reason. The age of these finds, according to radiocarbon analysis, ranges from 22,380 to 22,770 years.

Six more fish hooks, made from deer and elk bones, were discovered by archaeologists during excavations of an ancient encampment in Germany, near Berlin. The age of five of them is about 12.5 thousand years.

Another similar fishing tool was made from a mammoth tusk. It is about 19 thousand years old. Since mammoths became extinct before the person who made this hook lived, these people likely found a whole tusk and used it thousands of years after the animal’s death.

With their round shape, ancient hooks resemble ancient jewelry much more than modern fishing hooks. This design was widespread among the tribes who lived along sea coasts.

The hooks from the museum’s collection date back to the Middle Ages, the Jurchen Empire. At that time, fishing was highly developed. The seas, rivers, and lakes were teeming with various fish species. The Jurchens were adept in ice fishing and engaged in fishing all year round.

The invention of fishing hooks occurred independently and autonomously in different parts of the world. This was driven by the experience of many generations, their observational skills, and the numerous attempts to find the optimal and most effective tool for catching fish.