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13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
By Charles Robert Knight - http://paleo.amnh.org/artwork/knight/index.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8243414

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, a team from the University of Iowa has uncovered a well-preserved mastodon skull dating back 13,600 years. This incredible find in Wayne County, Iowa, not only excites archaeologists but also offers a fascinating glimpse into the interactions between early humans and these massive creatures.

The Mastodon

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
By https://wellcomecollection.org/works/nd8bwqmc, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=143985984

Mastodons roamed North America from around 3.5 million years ago until their extinction approximately 10,500 years ago. These large mammals, similar to but distinct from mammoths, were adapted to the cold, forested environments of the Pleistocene epoch. Their extinction is believed to have been caused by a combination of climate change and hunting by Paleo-Americans.

A Journey from a Creek Bed to Scientific Significance

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
The size of the skull can be seen next to this archaeologist (Image: Kirk Murray)

The discovery began when a local resident found a large bone embedded in a creek bed on private property. This bone, later identified as a mastodon femur, prompted further investigation by John Doershuk and his team from the University of Iowa. What they unearthed was a complete mastodon skull, an incredibly rare find in this region.

Radiocarbon Dating Confirms the Age

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
Once complete, the skull and bones will go on display (Image: Kirk Murray)

Using advanced radiocarbon dating techniques, the skull was determined to be 13,600 years old. This places the mastodon in a period when early humans were present in the area, suggesting a possible interaction between the two species. The skull’s preservation provides a unique opportunity to study the ecology and behavior of mastodons during this time.

Potential Evidence of Human Interaction

By Titus322 – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7924218

The discovery team is particularly interested in finding evidence of human interaction with the mastodon. They hope to uncover tools or marks on the bones that could indicate the mastodon was hunted and butchered by early humans. This could provide invaluable insights into the lives of Paleo-Americans and their impact on megafauna like the mastodon.

Challenges of the Excavation

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
It is the best preserved Mastodon skull found in the area (Image: Kirk Murray)

Excavating the skull was no small feat. The team had to secure funding and carefully plan the dig to ensure the skull was removed intact. The process took over a year from the initial discovery to the final excavation, highlighting the challenges of working with such delicate and ancient materials.

The Significance of the Find

13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unveils Possible Human Interaction in Ancient Iowa
By Heinrich Harder (1858-1935) – The Wonderful Paleo Art of Heinrich Harder, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2417077

This mastodon skull is the first well-preserved specimen to be scientifically excavated in Iowa, making it a landmark discovery for the region. It offers a rare opportunity to study the mastodon’s life and environment in detail and contributes to our understanding of Ice Age North America.

Looking Ahead

Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi)
Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi). Image by Robert Bruce Horsfall, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The next steps for the research team include analyzing the skull and any additional bones for signs of human interaction. The OSA and UI Palaeontology Repository will conserve these findings, with plans to display them in a permanent exhibit at the Prairie Trails Museum, allowing the public to engage with this remarkable piece of history.

The Broader Impact of the Discovery

Columbian mammoth, based on the AMNH specimen.
Columbian mammoth, based on the AMNH specimen. Image by Charles Robert Knight, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

This discovery is not just significant for Iowa but for the broader field of archaeology. It underscores the importance of preserving and studying ancient remains to understand our past. As the team continues their research, they hope to uncover more about the lives of both the mastodons and the humans who may have hunted them.

A Window into the Distant Past

mammoth
Mammoth from Royal BC Museum. Image by imagex via Depositphotos

The discovery of the 13,600-year-old mastodon skull is a testament to the enduring curiosity and dedication of archaeologists. It opens a window into a distant past, offering clues about the interactions between early humans and the majestic creatures that once roamed the earth. As research continues, this find will undoubtedly contribute to our understanding of the history and evolution of life on our planet.