As you can tell there are many types of harpoon heads. It really is up to the person who is making the harpoon that determins the overall length, style, and coloring. There are a lot of examples here as well revealing the detailed work that it takes to shape the sharp tips that will one day be used, or have already been used in retreaving sea mammals. In the top right picture you can tell the difference between the contemporary harpoon versus the more traditional one by the brass both supporting and adding strength to the shaft.