The Fascinating History and Uses of Whalebone

Whalebone, also known as baleen, is a flexible, cartilaginous material found in the mouths of some aquatic animals, such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It is used for filter-feeding, allowing these animals to strain small fish and plankton from the water.

Whalebone is made up of long, thin plates of cartilage that are attached to the roof of the mouth and gumline. These plates have tiny hair-like projections called denticles on their surface, which help to trap food particles as the animal moves through the water. The baleen plates are also flexible, allowing the animal to open its mouth wide enough to swallow large amounts of water and food.

Whalebone has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history, including making corsets, umbrella ribs, and even piano keys. It is also sometimes used in craft projects, such as making jewelry or decorative items. However, due to the decline of whaling and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these animals, the use of whalebone has become less common in recent years.