North American prehistory gradually reveals the ingenious strategies developed by the first inhabitants to survive in hostile environments. Through careful excavation at the La Prele site in Wyoming, researchers from the University of Wyoming and other institutions have identified fragments of bone needles that are 12,900 years old, a discovery published in PLOS ONE.
These tools, fashioned from the bones of small mammals and predators, illustrate how the Paleoindians designed clothing adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of the Ice Age. By linking technology and adaptation, this work illuminates the essential role of textile innovation in human dispersal to colder latitudes, marking a key stage in the colonization of the Americas.
Needles fashioned by the first inhabitants of the American continent
The bone needles from the archaeological site of La Prele, in Wyoming, were exhumed during ten seasons of excavations. This work brought to light 32 fragments of needles dating back approximately 12,900 years. They were buried in layers associated with a Paleoindian camp used to process the carcasses of a Columbian mammoth. Their dating is based on stratigraphic and radiocarbon analyzes of archaeological layers. It is corroborated by associations with artifacts typical of the Clovis culture. The researchers used mass spectrometry (ZooMS) to identify the original animal species. At the same time, they used micro-CT to examine the internal structures of the bones.
Micro-CT scans of bone needles and needle samples and the species with which they were compared. © Pelton et al., 2024
Recall that the Clovis culture refers to a group of prehistoric hunter-gatherers. It occupied much of North America around 13,200 to 12,800 years ago. It is known for its stone projectile points, called “Clovis points”. They have an elongated shape and a characteristic recess at their base to facilitate their attachment to poles. People then used these tools for hunting large game, such as mammoths or bison.
The Clovis populations are generally considered to be the first widely distributed inhabitants of the American continent. This culture, dating from the end of the Pleistocene, is associated with human migration from Asia, via Beringia (land bridge between Siberia and Alaska). Rapid dispersal across the Americas will follow. However, their lifestyle was not limited to hunting. They also exploited small animals and plants.
Needles in fur-bearing animal bones
And that's where needles come in. These needles had a eye allowing the passage of a wire. They came from the bones of fur-bearing animals such as foxes and hares. But there are also felines such as the lynx and the now extinct American cheetah. Analyzes show that they mainly worked on the metapodials and the long bones of the legs. They sought to obtain fine and robust tools. The precision of the shaping demonstrates advanced know-how. The bones were grooved, split, then polished to reach a thickness varying between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters. Ideal dimensions for working with leather and fur.
An eye needle made from a red fox bone. © Todd Surovell
The Paleoindians used both animal skins to make clothing and animal bones to make needles. They did not have to look for materials separately. This practice, efficient and practical, allowed them to maximize the use of animal resources. According to Spencer Pelton, “these hands embody a decisive innovation. They made it possible to make tailor-made clothing essential to human survival in frigid environments.
The importance of clothing in the colonization of cold climates
The clothing designed by the Paleoindians is much more complex than simple draped skins. They demonstrate true technical mastery in adapting to extreme environments. These clothes were equipped with tight and fitted seams. They provided effective thermal insulation against freezing winds and subzero temperatures. The population of the time often used furs from small predators such as the red fox or the lynx. These had unique insulating properties, thanks to their density and their ability to trap air. Hoods, fur trims and other practical elements are reminiscent of modern Inuit clothing. They suggest similar solutions to optimize body heat conservation. This clothing engineering not only reduced the risk of hypothermia, but also increased mobility and chances of survival in extreme conditions.
These highly functional clothing were essential for the colonization of cold regions, particularly during of human dispersal in the Americas, where harsh climates posed unprecedented challenges. Migrations across frozen landscapes, such as the Bering Strait and subarctic zones, would have been impossible without suitable clothing. They provided human groups with lasting protection, allowing them to hunt, move, and camp in environments where life would otherwise have been unsustainable. By facilitating access to new lands, this innovation profoundly influenced the geographic and cultural expansion of the continent's first inhabitants, highlighting the crucial importance of wearable technology in human history.
< h2>A hunt for small predators and lagomorphs
The discoveries made at the La Prele site show that the Paleoindians diversified their hunting strategies. In particular they focused on small predators and lagomorphs such as red foxes, hares and lynx. We are far from the received idea of an exclusive dependence on megafauna such as mammoths or bison. Researchers believe that the selective capture of these animals was done through traps. This method, considered more effective than active hunting, allowed on the one hand to save time and energy. On the other hand, it made it possible to preserve furs, an essential element for making clothing adapted to the freezing climate.
These animal remains, integrated into a habitat context, testify to a use that goes beyond dietary needs. Researchers therefore point out that the presence of bones in archaeological sites should not always be interpreted as a direct indicator of subsistence. These complex practices reflect an organization of resources focused on survival in difficult climatic conditions. They also offer an overview of technological know-how and cultural innovations. They allowed Paleoindians to adapt and thrive in demanding environments.
Source: Spencer R. Pelton et al., “Early Paleoindian use of canids, felids, and hares for bone needle production at the La Prele site, Wyoming, USA”, PLOS ONE (2024)
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