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Moccasin find gives Yukon more archeological footing
(see original article for pictures)
The Yukon has another valuable artifact to add to its collection of archeological finds, with the discovery of a 1,400-year-old moccasin in its icefield region.
The ancient footwear was found in the Ruby Range west of Aishihik Lake, about 150 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse, where many prehistoric items have been located in recent years.
The moccasin, found two and a half years ago, at first appeared to be some kind of leather bag.
Valery Monahan, conservator in the government's museums branch, says that after she unfolded the hide and cleaned it up, she discovered it was a moccasin.
Using special "dating" techniques, the moccasion's age was only recently determined, making it the oldest footwear found in the territory. Monahan says the freezing temperatures helped preserve it.
The materials used to make footwear and clothing were warm, flexible and well suited to the environment, but generally don't preserve well for archeologists, she says.
Monahan says the moccasin is about a man's Size 5 or 6, and probably belonged to a hunter. She says it may have been one of a spare pair of shoes he was carrying.
Some faded red paint is on the back of the moccasin.
Monahan hasn't determined what kind of hide it is, but speculates it's caribou. Meticulous stitching holding it together may also be caribou or from another animal.
Monahan says the moccasin is part of the so-called icepatch collection and will be cared for by an archeological program.
The program involves finding ancient artifacts around melting icefields in high altitudes. It has uncovered other remnants of ancient hunting cultures in the Yukon.
A total of about 150 artifacts ranging from 800 to 9,000 years of age have been found. They're mostly hunting and camping tools, and spear points, but some objects have not been identified.
Monahan hopes there will be opportunities for the public to see the moccasin and other artifacts.
(see original article for pictures)
The Yukon has another valuable artifact to add to its collection of archeological finds, with the discovery of a 1,400-year-old moccasin in its icefield region.
The ancient footwear was found in the Ruby Range west of Aishihik Lake, about 150 kilometres northwest of Whitehorse, where many prehistoric items have been located in recent years.
The moccasin, found two and a half years ago, at first appeared to be some kind of leather bag.
Valery Monahan, conservator in the government's museums branch, says that after she unfolded the hide and cleaned it up, she discovered it was a moccasin.
Using special "dating" techniques, the moccasion's age was only recently determined, making it the oldest footwear found in the territory. Monahan says the freezing temperatures helped preserve it.
The materials used to make footwear and clothing were warm, flexible and well suited to the environment, but generally don't preserve well for archeologists, she says.
Monahan says the moccasin is about a man's Size 5 or 6, and probably belonged to a hunter. She says it may have been one of a spare pair of shoes he was carrying.
Some faded red paint is on the back of the moccasin.
Monahan hasn't determined what kind of hide it is, but speculates it's caribou. Meticulous stitching holding it together may also be caribou or from another animal.
Monahan says the moccasin is part of the so-called icepatch collection and will be cared for by an archeological program.
The program involves finding ancient artifacts around melting icefields in high altitudes. It has uncovered other remnants of ancient hunting cultures in the Yukon.
A total of about 150 artifacts ranging from 800 to 9,000 years of age have been found. They're mostly hunting and camping tools, and spear points, but some objects have not been identified.
Monahan hopes there will be opportunities for the public to see the moccasin and other artifacts.