Harpun

Harpun, also known as harpoon, is a long spear-like weapon designed to be thrown or launched at aquatic animals. A typical harpun consists of a shaft, usually made of wood or composite material; a head of iron or steel with a sharp tip and sometimes barbs or a toggle mechanism to secure the point once embedded; and a line attached to the shaft so the hunter can restrain and recover the catch.

There are two main delivery methods. Hand-thrown harpun are used by traditional cultures for hunting seals, whales, and large fish. Gun-fired harpun are launched from a vessel using a launching mechanism; the head is connected to a line that enables the hunter to pursue and eventually haul in the animal. Some heads are designed to detach or deploy a toggle or other anchoring feature to resist withdrawal after penetration.

Historically, harpun designs have evolved from simple wooden spears to metal-headed weapons. They have been used by many cultures for whaling, sealing, and big-game fishing. In the 19th century, innovations such as the gun-fired harpun with an explosive or mechanically driven head, popularized by Danish whaler Svend Foyn, dramatically increased hunting effectiveness. Later designs introduced toggling anchors to improve securing power.

Modern use of harpun is restricted in many regions by wildlife and conservation regulations. They are still employed by some indigenous communities and in certain sport or commercial fishing contexts, where legal and ethical frameworks govern their deployment. The basic principle remains the same: a projectile weapon designed to securely attach to a target, enabling retrieval and control through a tethered line.