Fishing without Hooks: Archaeological Evidence of Maritime Technologies in Panama

Archaeological investigations in Panama have uncovered a purported range of maritime technologies, challenging traditional narratives that emphasize only hook-and-line fishing. Excavations at both coastal and riverine sites demonstrate that pre-Columbian populations employed various strategies to exploit aquatic resources, including nets, traps, and tidal manipulation. Zooarchaeological evidence reveals selective harvesting practices, indicative of sophisticated understanding of fish behavior, seasonal patterns, and ecological niches. Artifacts such as net weights provide tangible support for these methods. The data suggest that maritime technologies were integral—not marginal—to community sustainability in Panama. By focusing on non-hook technologies, this research presents a more nuanced view of indigenous innovation and adaptability within tropical coastal environments. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches—combining archaeology, zooarchaeology, and ethnographic analogies—in reconstructing complex human-environment interactions. Together, the findings from Panama expand prevailing views of maritime lifeways in the Americas and challenge reductive interpretations of pre-Columbian fishing practices.