Dutch Whaling at the North Pole, by Abraham Storck ca. 1688
[Click to enlarge]
The hunt for whales at the North Pole was an industry in which Dutch, Danish and English ships participated. Not only whales were slaughtered, but also walruses and polar bears.
Whales and walruses were hunted for their oil, which was used as lamp oil and in candle making.
The whale boats where light and fast which was necessary to be able to come close to the whale and throw the harpoon from a short distance. The boats were rowed single banked and steered with a long oar.
The whaling season started in April or May and in September the ships made the journey home.
Collection Rotterdam Maritime Museum
Dutch Whaling at the North Pole, by Abraham Storck ca. 1688
[Click to enlarge]
The hunt for whales at the North Pole was an industry in which Dutch, Danish and English ships participated. Not only whales were slaughtered, but also walruses and polar bears.
Whales and walruses were hunted for their oil, which was used as lamp oil and in candle making.
The whale boats where light and fast which was necessary to be able to come close to the whale and throw the harpoon from a short distance. The boats were rowed single banked and steered with a long oar.
The whaling season started in April or May and in September the ships made the journey home.
Collection Rotterdam Maritime Museum