14 DAY TRIAL // A total of four pendants made of carved bone were found by a team of archaeologists exploring a site deep in the Alaskan wilderness.
The pendants, shown in the images accompanying this article, are believed to be the oldest pieces of artwork thus far uncovered in this region in North America.
Scientists say that, having examined them, they found that the primitive jewels were created by people who lived in present-day Alaska some 12,300 years back.
Of the four pendants, two resemble zipper pulls. The other pairs look more like a bird or possibly a fish tail.
Exactly why it was that the pendants were created remains a mystery. According to researcher Ben Potter from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, it could be that they served to tell one community from another.
“Art serves as a way to fix social boundaries. ‘This is our group, not yours.’ These could be a way to communicate,” the specialist said in an interview.
The archaeological site where the pendants were found also produced o bonanza of stone tools and animal bones said to be 11,800 to 12,200 years old.
Among these artifacts was a bear jawbone without any canines attached to it. Specialists believe the teeth were removed to be used as talismans of sorts, Ancient Origins informs.
Interestingly, the archaeologists excavating this site have so far failed to find any weapon remains. Hence, they believe the settlement was not used as a hunting camp.
Rather, chances are that it was a base camp where folks simply gathered and spent time together.
