A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has emerged in northeastern Washington State, where members of the Kalispel Tribe and Washington State University archaeologist Shannon Tushingham have unearthed earth ovens dating back over 6,000 years. Believed to be the oldest ovens found in North America, these ancient cooking structures were located on the banks of the Pend Oreille River, sparking excitement among experts who see them as vital indicators of early human technological advancements in cooking.
Tushingham remarked on the significance of the find, stating, “This is some of the oldest technology used by humans to cook food anywhere in the world. And here, we have some of the oldest ovens in North America.” The ovens were discovered approximately four feet beneath the surface during an investigation conducted ahead of a construction project. The team found clusters of fire-cracked rocks, which served as evidence of the ovens’ historical use.
Carbon dating reveals that this site was occupied repeatedly for about 6,000 to 700 years, marking it as a significant archaeological achievement. It offers a continuous narrative of food processing in a location that reflects both ecological and cultural stability.
The design of the ovens involved creating bowl-shaped pits in sandy soil, lined with fuel and covered with rocks. Food, wrapped in a non-flammable layer, was placed atop the rocks, with the fuel ignited and the oven sealed with soil, leaving vent holes for cooking. This traditional method, known as ‘pit-cooking,’ was prevalent among ancient cultures.
This discovery opens new avenues for archaeologists to gain insights into prehistoric lifestyles. By analyzing the residues found within the ovens, researchers can uncover details about the diets of the people who lived in the area, including the types of food they cooked and their hunting and gathering practices.
Moreover, this find presents new opportunities for anthropologists and historians examining cultural evolution. Dr. Lynn Chao, an anthropologist at the University of Arizona, commented, “It’s fascinating to see how a technique as old as cooking can reveal so much about the social, cultural, and economic aspects of life in a specific area. This new find provides us with important insights into the diets of the people who lived in this region during prehistoric times.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the discovery of these ancient earth ovens is a monumental achievement for the archaeological community, offering invaluable information about how our ancestors cooked and survived over 6,000 years ago. This traditional cooking method is still practiced by indigenous peoples around the world today, demonstrating the enduring legacy of this technology. As we uncover more about the past, discoveries like this one help deepen our understanding of the human experience.