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A Whale-Oiled Machine

99% Invisible

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From Cape Verde to Whaling: Antonio's Journey

This chapter narrates the personal journey of a young man from Cape Verde who becomes an oarsman on American whaling ships. It explores the harsh realities of life at sea, including the dangers of whale hunts, the meager diets of the crew, and the inequalities faced on board. The story contextualizes Antonio's experiences within the broader historical narrative of the whaling industry, emphasizing its economic and cultural legacy.

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