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Archaeology

Unveiling the Oldest and Highest Stone Age Settlement in Peru: A Testament to Human Adaptability

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Stone Age Shelter in Peru: The Oldest, Highest Human Settlement

Discovery and Significance

High in the southern Peruvian Andes, archaeologists have uncovered an ancient Stone Age shelter that holds the distinction of being the oldest and highest human settlement ever discovered. Nestled at an altitude of nearly 14,700 feet, this remarkable site offers a glimpse into the adaptability and resourcefulness of early humans.

Evidence of Human Occupation

The shelter’s soot-blackened ceilings and rock art adorned walls bear witness to the presence of humans thousands of years ago. Excavations have revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including ceramics, bone beads, quartz crystals, animal bones, and charred remains of woody shrubs used for fire.

Obsidian Vein and Toolmaking

A nearby vein of obsidian, a volcanic glass prized for its sharp cutting edge, likely drew ancient people to the site. Archaeologists have discovered an open-air workshop near the shelter containing over 260 tools, including hand axes and spear points, some of which may be as old as 12,800 years.

Extreme Environment and Human Adaptation

At such a high altitude, the environment posed significant challenges for early humans. The thin air provided less than 60% of the oxygen available at sea level, requiring them to consume more calories to survive. The arid landscape offered little fuel for fires, forcing them to adapt their survival strategies.

Year-Round Habitation and Evidence of Families

Archaeologist Sonia Zarrillo believes that the shelter may have been inhabited year-round, rather than just a temporary hunting camp. The presence of a wide range of artifacts suggests that families may have lived at the site, as evidenced by the discovery of bone beads, quartz crystals, and other items that are typically associated with domestic life.

Searching for the Site

Lead researcher Kurt Rademaker had been searching for this site since the 1990s. His initial discovery of an obsidian tool on Peru’s coast, far from any known volcanic source, led him to speculate that early humans must have traveled to the highlands to obtain this valuable material. Rademaker’s team eventually located the newly discovered sites in the Pucuncho Basin.

Significance for Understanding Human History

The discovery of this Stone Age shelter provides valuable insights into the adaptability and resourcefulness of early humans. It demonstrates their ability to survive and thrive in extreme environments, and their willingness to travel long distances to obtain essential resources. The site also sheds light on the early settlement of South America and the migratory patterns of ancient populations.

Additional Details

  • The shelter contains two rocky alcoves that were used for habitation.
  • The site is located in the Pucuncho Basin, an arid region with little vegetation.
  • The obsidian vein is miles away from the nearest volcanic rock, indicating that early humans traveled considerable distances to obtain this material.
  • The discovery of the site reveals the importance of obsidian in the lives of early humans and their willingness to adapt to challenging environments.
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Archaeology

Ancient Artifacts Emerge from Melting Ice in Norway: Uncovering 5,000 Years of History

by Peter
written by Peter

Ancient Artifacts Emerge from Melting Ice in Norway

Uncovering 5,000 Years of History

As the Langfonne ice patch in Norway’s Jotunheimen Mountains continues to melt due to climate change, it is revealing a treasure trove of ancient artifacts that shed light on human activity over the past 5,000 years.

A Rich Tapestry of Reindeer Hunting

A team of researchers from the Universities of Cambridge, Oslo, and Bergen has discovered 68 arrow shafts, some with arrowheads attached, dating from the Stone Age to the medieval era. These arrows, made from materials such as bone, slate, iron, and mussel shell, provide evidence of reindeer hunting in the area for millennia. Additionally, hundreds of reindeer antlers and bones have been found on the ice, further supporting the theory that this was a prime hunting spot.

Radiocarbon Dating Unravels the Past

Radiocarbon dating has played a crucial role in determining the age of the artifacts. The oldest items, around 6,000 years old, were found near the bottom of the ice patch, while the most recent, dating back to around 1300 A.D., were found closer to the surface. This chronological distribution of artifacts provides a unique glimpse into how human activity changed as the ice patch grew or shrunk over time.

Varying Patterns of Reindeer Hunting

The researchers have observed varying patterns of reindeer hunting over the centuries. During some periods, many reindeer bones but few arrows were found, suggesting that the animals were likely killed by predators such as wolverines. In contrast, from 600 to 1300 A.D., there was a significant increase in arrow finds, while reindeer material was scarce. This period coincides with the Viking Age, when human hunters may have harvested large numbers of reindeer for their fur and antlers, which were valuable commodities.

Connections to Distant Lands

The discovery of combs made from reindeer antlers in eighth-century Denmark suggests that there was long-distance trade in reindeer-related products in Northern Europe, starting earlier than previously believed. This finding supports the idea that even remote locations were connected to the economies and societies of other parts of Europe.

A Window into the Past

The melting ice patch at Langfonne has provided a unique opportunity to study ancient human behavior and the impact of climate change on historical artifacts. The artifacts themselves, along with the data obtained from radiocarbon dating, offer valuable insights into reindeer hunting practices, trade networks, and the changing landscape of the region over the past 5,000 years.

Preserving the Past for the Future

As the ice continues to melt, researchers are racing against time to document and preserve the artifacts before they are lost forever. The melting ice patch serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of our cultural heritage and the importance of taking action to mitigate climate change. By studying these ancient artifacts, we can gain a deeper understanding of our past and ensure that future generations can appreciate the rich history that lies beneath the ice.

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Archaeology

Stone Age ‘Baby Hands’ Mystery: Unraveling the Truth Behind the Lizard Prints

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Stone Age “Baby Hands” Mystery: Lizard Prints or Human Markings?

Uncovering the Past: Reconstructing Stone Age Evidence

Reconstructing ancient history is a challenging endeavor, especially for events that occurred thousands of years ago. Researchers often rely on physical evidence to piece together the past, leading them to explore various avenues. Anthropologist Emmanuelle Honoré and her team embarked on an unusual journey that involved measuring baby hands in a hospital to shed light on a puzzling discovery.

The Cave of Mysterious Handprints

In 2002, Wadi Sûra II, a rock shelter in the Western Desert of Egypt known as “the cave of the beasts,” was discovered. The sandstone cave is adorned with enigmatic paintings and markings, including numerous outlines of human hands, some of which are at least 6,000 years old. Among these handprints, 13 appeared to be unusually small, suggesting they were made by young children.

Questioning the Origins: Baby Hands or Animal Tracks?

Upon examining the handprints, Honoré questioned whether they were indeed tracings of Stone Age babies. She collaborated with researchers to compare the cave prints with measurements of newborns and pre-term babies. The results revealed that the cave prints were not human.

Enter the Lizards: A Compelling Hypothesis

Honoré then considered other candidates, including monkeys and lizards. After further investigation, lizards emerged as the most likely source of the prints. The team found striking similarities between the cave prints and the handprints of young crocodiles and desert monitor lizards, an animal frequently depicted in other Saharan rock art.

Symbolic Significance: Lizards as Religious or Cultural Symbols

The researchers speculate that the lizard prints may have held symbolic meaning for Stone Age humans. Lizards have been revered in various cultures throughout history, often associated with fertility, protection, and other spiritual concepts. The team suggests that the lizard prints in the cave may have represented important religious or cultural symbols.

Ongoing Research and Intriguing Possibilities

While the team’s findings strongly support the theory that the handprints are lizard prints, definitive proof remains elusive. Honoré acknowledges that further research is necessary to fully unravel the mystery. The identification of reptile handprints in the cave, however, provides new insights into Stone Age art and culture.

Nature and Humans in the Stone Age Worldview

The discovery highlights the interconnectedness between humans and nature in the Stone Age. The cave paintings depict a wide array of animals, suggesting that humans were deeply aware of their surroundings and the creatures that inhabited them. The lizard prints further support this notion, indicating that lizards held a significant place in Stone Age culture.

Unveiling the Past: New Meaning and Fresh Intrigue

The identification of lizard prints in Wadi Sûra II breathes new life into the “cave of the beasts.” It unveils a hidden layer of meaning and intrigue, inviting us to contemplate the beliefs and practices of our ancient ancestors. While the mystery of the handprints may never be fully solved, the research provides valuable insights into a fascinating chapter of human history.

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