Archaeologists in Iowa have unearthed an intact ancient mastodon skull that they hope will shed light on humans’ interactions with the ancient animals.
The bones were excavated from the banks of Wayne Creek earlier this month in a process that took about two weeks to complete. The eroded site was first Iowa State Archaeologist (OSA) 2022.
The excavation took approximately two weeks to complete. (Iowa State Archaeologist’s Office)
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Radiocarbon dating has determined that the mastodon is approximately 13,600 years old, coinciding with human occupation of the area.
OSA plans to examine the bones closely to see if there is any evidence of human activity, such as cut marks.
It was in 2022 that the eroded stream caught the attention of archaeologists. (Iowa State Archaeologist’s Office)
“We’re really hoping to find evidence of human interaction with this animal, perhaps a point or knife that was used to kill the animal and initially butcher it,” said OSA director and state archaeologist John Doorschuk. “There may also be evidence in the bones themselves, there may be identifiable cut marks.”
Radiocarbon dating determined that the remains were approximately 13,600 years old. (Iowa State Archaeologist’s Office)
Mastodons are large elephant-like mammals that lived in North America from about 3.5 million years ago to about 10,500 years ago.
The Iowa Archaeological Institute said the mastodon skull is “the first well-preserved mastodon (primarily a skull) to be unearthed in Iowa.”
Archaeologists said the bones were in good condition. (Iowa State Archaeologist’s Office)
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The mastodon bones will become part of a new exhibit at Prairie Trails Museum once preservation and analysis at the University of Iowa is complete.
