State archaeologists and geologists are uncovering a fascinating mystery at the Piney Grove site near Reisterstown, Maryland. This archaeological dig has been ongoing since May and focuses on the Clovis people, who roamed this area over 13,000 years ago.
Zachary Singer, a state archaeologist, and Rebecca Kavage Adams, the state geologist, are piecing together clues about these early inhabitants. The Clovis people relied on tools made from chalcedony, a unique stone they expertly worked into hunting implements. “Every piece we’ve found shows signs of being flaked,” Zach notes, indicating this site was a hub for tool-making.
Interestingly, during the Clovis period, estimates suggest that only about 150 people lived in all of Maryland. This small population relied on hunting now-extinct animals. The transition of ice age landscapes into more contemporary terrains created a rich environment for the Clovis, making the nearby stream a likely site for their activities.
Chalcedony appears rarely in Maryland’s archaeological records, mainly linked to Clovis sites. The stone’s presence suggests that it originated close to where the team is excavating. “Finding lots of evidence of tool-making indicates there was probably a good local source of chalcedony,” says Zach.
When archaeologists discovered this site in 2001 while building a road, they were overwhelmed by the quantity of chalcedony. This lucky find has opened many research avenues. Rebecca is using the stone samples to trace their origins. “The Cockeysville Marble underlies a lot of this region and may contain deposits of chalcedony,” she explains.
The duo employs GPS mapping to mark rock outcrops that could lead back to the original stone source. Rebecca emphasizes the significance of geological features in understanding these ancient communities. “If I were looking for a good place to live, I’d choose a valley with easy access over rough terrain,” she says.
Looking forward, the team is considering blood protein residue analysis on the tools. This method helps identify what the Clovis people hunted by examining samples from small cracks in the stone tools. Past research has uncovered hunting evidence involving mammoths and mastodons in other states, but Maryland’s records remain sparse. Zach remains optimistic: “We’re working to change that.”
This ongoing research not only sheds light on the past but also illustrates the intricate connection between archaeology and geology. By understanding the environment in which the Clovis lived, researchers hope to paint a richer picture of Maryland’s early human history.
For updates on ongoing discoveries at the Piney Grove site, check out this WMAR article.
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