Lacking claws, armor, 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 defense—and offense. Here are some of the best examples of technology mimicking nature. Or just straight up stealing from it.
Shark Tooth Sword, Kiribati
Photo: imbrettjackson
Calusa shell clubs
Photo: bob reid
Tebute, a Gilbertese shark tooth weapon
Photo: Joshua Drew et al./PlosOne
Swordfish bill dagger
Photo: mauifishingputters.com
Shark Tooth Sword, Micronesia, Gilbert Island
Photo: oceaniaart.com
Bering Sea walrus ivory harpoon point
Photo: Herigate Auctions
Shark tooth club from the Pacific Islands. Peabody-Essex Museum
Photo: Margaret Killjoy
Blue marlin bill dagger with tiger shark teeth
Photo: mauifishingputters.com
Western Pacific turtle bone axe
Photo: Carter's Price Guide to Antiques
Eskimo darts made of ivory and caribou bone
Photo: New World Antiquities
Stingray barb dagger and cassowary bone dagger from New Zealand
Photo: M. A. Lurig
Whale Bone War Club, ca. 1800, Nuu-chah-nulth or Makah
Photo: Travis S.
Bone Blade Knife
Photo: Practical Abstractions
Azilian bone harpoon
Photo: Didier Descouens/Wikimwdia Commons
Eskimo fishing spear made from the horns of a musk ox
Photo: John Tyman
Top photo: Library Of Congress
Images curated by Attila Nagy