Wyoming archaeologists found 13,000-year-old eyed needles used to make garments at a prehistoric site, in a significant (and sophisticated) first.
At LaPrele near Douglas, Wyoming, Spencer Pelton and a team of archaeologists had already explored an area where a Columbian mammoth had been killed or scavenged.
However, an unlikely suite in the excavations, sharp needles complete with thread holes revealed that the early Americans used the game for much more than food.
It doesn’t come as any surprise that Paleolithic humans consumed the whole animal for far more than sustenance, as harsh conditions would necessitate warm clothing, but the 32 needles made of bone recently discovered reveal an intricacy of craftsmanship and detail into the lives of our human ancestors.
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Moreover, they pinpoint a fascinating intersection between clothing and innovation that equipped early humans with the means to move to colder climates and even survive them. However, analysis had never been performed on these types of tools before.
In a new study, Wyoming State researchers reported “the first identifications of species and element used to produce Paleolithic bone needles,” and also the “oldest known bead” ever to be found in the Americas.
Paleolithic tailored clothing production helped early humans to migrate
Between 2015 and 2022, Wyoming State researchers recovered 32 bone needles and one sole bead from the LaPrele Mammouth site to examine further. After all, it’s easier to manufacture clothes where the animal is rather than dragging the body back.
Using zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS) and Micro-CT scanning, they analyzed the chemical composition of the bone, according to a recent press release.
Comparing the peptides, they established an impressive range of animals that provided the bones to make the needles: red foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, lynx, the American cheetah, and hares or rabbits.
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In presenting evidence for tailored garment production, researchers are highlighting an crucial innovation, as clothing that binds closely to the skin traps heat more effectively than draped clothing, along with stitched seams.
Though the physical remains of Paleolithic clothing are sparse, “bone needles are a well-established archeological phenomenon evidence” in North American research, study authors explained.
More strikingly, this evolutionary step in dress “partially enabled modern human dispersal to northern latitudes and eventually enabled colonization of the Americas.”
However, “despite the importance of bone needles to explaining global modern human dispersal,” they continue in a press release, “archaeologists have never identified the materials used to produce them, thus limiting understanding of this important cultural innovation.”
“Our results are strong evidence for tailored garment production using bone needles and fur-bearing animal pelts.”
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Animal bones at prehistoric sites hold new meaning
Bone needles emerged in Eurasia beginning circa 40,000 BP and in North American Paleoindian sites between 12,000 and 13,000 BP.
“The bones of fur bearers have received less attention as an indirect proxy for tailored garment production.”
Some animals possess pelts with tightly spaced hairs that trap a layer of stationary air near the skin’s surface. They are classically difficult to hunt, so their appearance in “archaeological assemblages” has been “hard to explain.”
The bone needles provide “compelling evidence that the earliest North Americans routinely trapped game.” They went out of their way to catch these trickier animals because of their skin.
“Our results are a good reminder that foragers use animal products for a wide range of purposes other than subsistence and that the mere presence of animal bones in an archaeological site need not be indicative of diet,” study authors conclude.
Porter had seven rebounds and four blocks for the Lions (3-3). Caleb Stone-Carrawell scored 17 points, finishing 8 of 10 from the floor. Will Johnston finished with 11 points.
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Obi Agbim led the way for the Cowboys (5-2) with 23 points and five assists. Cole Henry added 12 points for Wyoming. Jordan Nesbitt finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Porter’s 3-pointer with 2:32 left in the second half gave Loyola Marymount the lead for good at 67-66.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Snow falls in Cheyenne as seen from the Wyoming State Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Travelers heading out for Thanksgiving in Cheyenne and the surrounding areas may face slick roads this morning as lingering snow showers continue. According to the National Weather Service, light to moderate snow has been reported along Interstate 80 near the Summit and in parts of Laramie County. Snowfall is expected to diminish by this afternoon.
Accumulating snow of 1 to 2 inches could create hazardous driving conditions early Thursday, especially in the Laramie Valley and other wind-prone areas. While road crews are working to clear routes, drivers should remain cautious and allow extra time for travel.
The combination of cold temperatures, dipping into the teens overnight, and snow-covered roads will keep conditions slick into the morning. The Wyoming Department of Transportation recommends checking road conditions before departing.
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By late Thursday, breezy winds are expected to develop, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph in areas like Arlington, Elk Mountain, and the I-80 Summit. While not expected to reach high-wind warning thresholds, gusts could reduce visibility in open areas, especially where blowing snow persists
As snow showers taper off and winds subside, travel conditions should improve by Thursday afternoon. Holiday travelers can expect dry roads and clearer skies heading into the evening. Temperatures will remain cold, with highs in the 30s and lows dipping into the single digits in sheltered valleys.
For those staying local or driving across southeastern Wyoming, Friday through Tuesday looks mostly dry, with breezy but mild conditions. Travelers venturing to higher elevations or wind-prone areas should continue to monitor forecasts for updates on road conditions.
Detailed Forecast for Cheyenne
Today: Snow is likely, with a 40 percent chance mainly before 11 a.m. Skies will remain cloudy through mid-morning, followed by gradual clearing. The high temperature will be near 35. Expect breezy conditions, with a north wind of 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.
Tonight: Skies will be mostly clear, with a low around 15. Winds will shift to the west-southwest in the evening, at 5 to 10 mph.
Thanksgiving Day: Sunny skies are expected, with a high near 36. Winds will come from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Thursday Night: The night will be mostly clear, with a low around 14. Winds will be light, coming from the west-southwest at around 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny conditions are forecast, with a high near 42. West winds will range from 5 to 15 mph.
Friday Night: Skies will remain mostly clear, with a low around 20.
Saturday: Expect mostly sunny skies, with a high near 40.
Saturday Night: The night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 18.
Sunday: Sunny skies will dominate, with a high near 45.
Sunday Night: Skies will be mostly clear, with a low around 20.
Monday: The day will be sunny, with a high near 47.
Monday Night: Expect mostly clear skies, with a low around 22.
Tuesday: Sunny skies are forecast, with a high near 51.
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