Archaeology Professor Todd Surovell, from the University of Wyoming, and his team of collaborators have unearthed a significant discovery at the La Prele Mammoth site in Converse County. This remarkable find, detailed in the publication “Use of hare bone for the manufacture of a Clovis bead” in Scientific Reports, unveils a tube-shaped bead crafted from bone, dating back approximately 12,940 years – making it the oldest known bead in the Americas.
The research team, comprising members from UW, the Office of the Wyoming State Archaeologist, the University of Manchester, Weber State University, and Chico State University, meticulously analyzed the bone bead to unravel its origins and significance within the context of prehistoric American culture.
Situated within the La Prele Mammoth site, which preserves the remnants of a sub-adult Columbian mammoth alongside an associated camp utilized during the animal’s butchering, this discovery sheds light on ancient human activities and material culture practices.
Using advanced techniques like Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS), the researchers delved into the bone’s chemical composition, revealing that the bead was meticulously crafted from either a hare’s metapodial or a proximal phalanx bone. This finding not only highlights the resourcefulness of early inhabitants but also marks the first concrete evidence of hare utilization during the Clovis period – a pivotal era in North American prehistory, characterized by distinctive stone tools and cultural practices, approximately 12,000 years ago.
The bead itself, measuring a mere 7 millimeters in length with an average internal diameter of 1.6 millimeters, offers insights into ancient craftsmanship and adornment practices. While the possibility of carnivore consumption and digestion as the bead’s origin was considered, meticulous examination revealed distinct human-made grooves consistent with intentional crafting, further solidifying the artifact’s anthropogenic nature.
Professor Surovell, a leading figure in Paleoindian archaeology, boasts expertise in the earliest periods of American archaeology, particularly within the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. His diverse field experience extends to Eurasia, where he has contributed significantly to understanding site formation processes and decision-making dynamics shaping the archaeological record.
Beyond its intrinsic archaeological value, the discovery of the bone bead underscores the interconnectedness of human societies and the natural world. Through innovative research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, scholars continue to unravel the complexities of ancient civilizations, offering glimpses into humanity’s rich tapestry of cultural evolution and adaptation over millennia.
As the scientific community celebrates this groundbreaking find, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of indigenous peoples and their profound contributions to shaping the landscapes of the Americas, both past and present.
Source: University of Wyoming
