We Are the Narwhal
So narwhals aren’t unicorns. And it turns out their crazy-ass tusks are used for more than fighting. Or pointing.
It seems the tusks are covered in sensitive nerve endings, and are used to probe their environment. In the NYT article about the discovery, I really liked this paragraph:
“This tactile sense might explain why narwhals engage in what is known as "tusking," where two males gently rub tusks together, Dr. Nweeia said. He added that the Inuit seldom report aggressive contact, undermining ideas of ritualized battle.”
Yeah, they do it cause it feels good.
Enjoy the bizarre pic here, which accompanies the article. I am.
[Technorati tags: narwals, unicorns]
posted by TK @ 18:54
5 comments
5 Comments:
The Inuit become one with their prey. So much so that the animals they hunt for subsistence are revered and an integral symbol in their way of life. By the way, the hunt is extremely ritualized, mostly in the form of dance, which includes "tusking"!
well, slap my ass and call me skippy: who knew you were such an expert, ma?
so you're saying the inuit also perform "tusking," just like the narwhals? it seems, once again, We Are the Narwhal.
i like being right. so there we go.
Lived in Alaska for 18 years. Worked at the Pratt Museum for four. That is all the credential I can offer.
The Inuit mimic, in dance ritual, what they hunt. It is very beautiful to see.
I can't see where you are wrong about any of it, so please excuse me, M'Lady.
May I, in all humbleness, say I like the post? tusk,tusk.... ;)
"tusk, tusk."
love that.
tusk, tusk?
tsk, tsk, ladies. :^)
Post a Comment
<< Home