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Whales were hunted for various reasons, including:
1. Corsets: Whalebones, also known as baleen plates, were used in corsets and other fashion accessories because of their flexibility and strength.
2. Lamp Oil: Whale oil, extracted from the blubber of whales, was historically used as fuel for lamps due to its high-quality burning properties.
3. Cosmetics: Some cosmetic products in the past used whale oil or other derivatives from whales as ingredients.
4. Cellphones: Although not a direct historical reason, modern technologies have components derived from whales, like certain chemicals used in electronics.
Overall, the hunting of whales has had various historical purposes, ranging from fashion and lighting to industrial applications.