Ancient Butchery Marks Reveal Early Human Presence in Argentina 21,000 Years Ago
Ancient Butchery Marks Reveal Early Human Presence in Argentina 21,000 Years Ago
Tool marks on giant armadillo-like mammal fossils provide the oldest known evidence of human activity in southern South America.
Cut marks on ancient fossils have been identified as evidence of human exploitation of large mammals in Argentina more than 20,000 years ago, according to a study published on July 17, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE1 by Mariano Del Papa of the National University of La Plata, Argentina, and his colleagues.
Introduction: Revisiting Early Human Occupation in South America
The timeline of early human presence in South America remains a hotly debated topic among anthropologists and archaeologists. This debate is crucial for understanding early human dispersal across the Americas and the role humans might have played in the extinction of large mammals at the end of the Pleistocene Epoch. The scarcity of direct archaeological evidence of early human presence and their interactions with fauna complicates this discussion.
Discovering Ancient Butchery Marks
In a groundbreaking study, researchers present evidence of butchery on Pleistocene mammal fossils from the banks of the Reconquista River, northeast of the Pampean region in Argentina. These fossils belong to a glyptodont, a massive relative of the armadillo, named Neosclerocalyptus. The team conducted a detailed statistical analysis of the cut marks found on parts of the pelvis, tail, and body armor of the fossils.
Analysis and Findings
The analysis revealed that the cut marks are consistent with those made by stone tools. Moreover, the placement of these marks aligns with known butchering sequences, indicating that early humans targeted areas of dense flesh. Radiocarbon dating of the fossils suggests they are approximately 21,000 years old, which is nearly six thousand years older than other known archaeological evidence of human presence in southern South America.
Mariano Del Papa, the lead author, commented,
"Our findings provide substantial evidence that humans were present in the region much earlier than previously documented. The tool marks on these fossils are indicative of sophisticated butchering techniques used by early humans."
Implications for Early Human Presence in the Americas
These results align with recent discoveries suggesting that humans were present in the Americas over 20,000 years ago. The fossils also represent some of the oldest evidence of human interaction with large mammals shortly before many of these species became extinct. This study supports the notion that early humans played a significant role in the prehistoric ecosystem, potentially influencing the decline of large Pleistocene mammals.
Miguel Delgado, the corresponding author, stated,
"The study's evidence challenges the previously accepted timeframe for the initial human peopling of the Americas at around 16,000 years ago."
Future Research Directions
The authors propose that further excavation at the site, additional analysis of the cut marks, and more extensive radiocarbon dating of the fossils could provide deeper insights into early human activities in the region. These steps are necessary to confirm and expand upon the current findings, potentially rewriting the history of human occupation in South America.
"The evidence we have uncovered calls for a reevaluation of the early human timeline in the Americas," said Delgado. "Continued research will help us understand the full extent of human interaction with these giant mammals and the implications for human evolution and migration patterns."
Conclusion: A New Perspective on Human History
This study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology and the significance of innovative research methodologies. By combining archaeological evidence with advanced statistical and radiocarbon dating techniques, researchers have shed new light on early human history in South America. Del Papa added,
"The use of sedimentary biomarkers and bone samples to uncover prehistoric habits demonstrates the strength of interdisciplinary studies. Our discoveries not only enhance our knowledge of early human communities in the region but also demonstrate the potential of new archaeological techniques."
The findings published in PLOS ONE offer a compelling narrative of ancient human life, their interactions with large mammals, and their migration patterns, providing a richer understanding of human history in the Americas.
Del Papa, M., De Los Reyes, M., Poiré, D. G., Rascovan, N., Jofré, G., & Delgado, M. (2024). Anthropic cut marks in extinct megafauna bones from the Pampean region (Argentina) at the last glacial maximum. PloS One, 19(7), e0304956. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304956