Prehistoric Diet

Danger Cave: A Window into Ancient Desert Life

Discovery and Exploration

Danger Cave, nestled in Utah’s arid western desert, is a remarkable archaeological site that has yielded evidence of human habitation dating back over 11,000 years. Despite the harsh desert environment, the cave provided a relatively warm and sheltered refuge for ancient people.

In 1949, University of Utah archaeologist Jesse D. Jennings led excavations at Danger Cave, uncovering a wealth of artifacts that shed light on the lives of its former inhabitants. Among the discoveries were beetle wings, textiles, leather scraps, bone and wood tools and knives, and even basket fragments.

Desert Culture and Lifestyle

Jennings’ research revealed a previously unknown “Desert Culture” that thrived in the western U.S. This population lived in small social units of extended families, numbering no more than 25 to 30 people. Their primary focus was on obtaining food through cyclic wanderings, harvesting pine nuts and small seeds, and roasting meats. Caves and overhangs provided shelter from the elements.

Intriguingly, Danger Cave’s dry air preserved plant material and ancient excrement, allowing archaeologists to deduce that the diet of these ancient people remained relatively unchanged for about 9,000 years. A staple of their diet was pickleweed, a succulent that thrives in marshy areas.

Environmental Adaptations

The ancient Lake Bonneville, now evaporated and replaced by the Great Salt Lake, once provided a nearby source of water and fish for the inhabitants of Danger Cave. The cave’s relatively warm temperature, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, made it a habitable refuge in the otherwise inhospitable desert.

Historical Significance

Danger Cave is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Americas. Its artifacts and preserved remains offer a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient people who adapted to the challenges of the desert environment. The site has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is typically open to the public only one day per year.

Artifacts and Exhibits

Due to the limited capacity of the cave, only 25 people can fit inside at a time. However, visitors can view some of the artifacts collected from Danger Cave at the Utah Museum of Natural History. These artifacts provide further insights into the daily lives and cultural practices of the ancient Desert Culture.

Etymology

Despite its ominous name, Danger Cave received its moniker from a large chunk of rock that nearly fell on an archaeology crew. Since then, the entrance has been secured, ensuring the safety of visitors.

Educational Value

Danger Cave serves as an exceptional educational resource for students and researchers alike. It offers a tangible connection to ancient history and provides valuable insights into the ingenuity and adaptability of our human ancestors. Guided tours provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the cave’s interior and learn about its significance.

Archaeological Evidence of Cooking

For centuries, scientists have debated the exact timeline of human culinary evolution. Cooking with fire marked a pivotal moment in our development, but determining when our ancestors began this practice has been challenging. While charred animal and plant remains have been discovered, they do not necessarily indicate intentional cooking.

Forensic Science in Archaeology

Israeli researchers have devised an innovative solution to this puzzle. They analyzed fish teeth found at the Gesher Benot Ya’aqov archaeological site in Israel. Intriguingly, no fish bones were present nearby, suggesting that the fish may have been cooked over low heat, preserving the teeth while causing the bones to disintegrate.

To test their theory, the researchers employed a technique commonly used in forensic investigations: X-ray diffraction. This method measures the size of crystals in tooth enamel, which change when teeth are exposed to fire.

Cooking Methods and Implications

The analysis revealed that the fish teeth had not been subjected to direct high heat. Instead, they had been exposed to temperatures between 390 and 930 degrees Fahrenheit. This suggests that the fish may have been cooked whole in an earthen oven, a method that would have preserved the teeth while preventing the bones from burning.

Significance and Future Research

The discovery of cooked fish teeth at Gesher Benot Ya’aqov sheds new light on the dietary habits and cultural practices of early humans. It suggests that cooking with fire may have been more widespread and sophisticated than previously believed.

Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the broader implications of fish consumption in human evolution. By studying archaeological evidence and employing advanced scientific techniques, we can continue to unravel the mysteries of our culinary past and gain a deeper understanding of our ancestors’ lives.

Danger Cave: A Window into Ancient Desert Life and Human Adaptation