Discovery of 1,000-Year-Old Food Storage Pit Sheds Light on Ancient Alaskan Practices

Discovery of 1,000-Year-Old Food Storage Pit Sheds Light on Ancient Alaskan Practices

In a remarkable archaeological find, military officials recently announced the discovery of a cache pit in Alaska that dates back approximately 1,000 years. This significant excavation provides valuable insights into the food preservation techniques used by ancient cultures in the region.

Unearthing a Treasure Trove of History

Archaeologists from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), in collaboration with Northern Land Use Research Alaska and local tribal councils, uncovered the birchbark-lined cache pit along the Upper Cook Inlet in June. The official announcement was made via a news release on December 6, highlighting the enormity of this discovery.

The Function and Structure of Cache Pits

Cache pits are similar to root cellars, serving as essential storage places for preserving various types of food, including fish, meat, and berries. As archaeologist Elizabeth Ortiz notes, these structures were meticulously constructed to ensure longevity and safety.

“The caches were dug into well-drained soils and lined with birchbark and layers of grasses to preserve food and are rarely discovered intact,” she explained. This particular pit, measured at about 3½ feet deep, showcases the ingenious methods of ancient survival.

Insights from Radiocarbon Dating

Initial radiocarbon dating has confirmed that this food storage pit was utilized approximately 1,000 years ago, marking it as the oldest known site on the eastern side of Upper Cook Inlet. This discovery reinforces the oral traditions of the Dena’ina and Ahtna people, who have long maintained that the JBER area has been an important site for generations.

Connection to Indigenous Cultures

The Dene, which includes groups such as the Athabascan community, has deep roots in this region. According to JBER cultural resource manager Margan Grover, this finding illuminates the longstanding relationship these people have had with the land.

“This discovery substantiates Dena’ina and Ahtna oral traditions that JBER and the surrounding area have been used for a very long time,” Grover stated. Unfortunately, much of the site was damaged by military activities in 1942, but this intact pit remains a rare glimpse into the past.

Further Research and Implications

The well-preserved birchbark lining within the pit has provided researchers with samples to test the age and contents of the structure. Ortiz shared, “Additional radiocarbon and stable isotope tests could yield new and significant information about the history of Upper Cook Inlet.” The archaeological team also aims to determine what types of food were stored in the cache.

The Types of Food Stored

Preliminary findings indicate that the cache was likely used to store moose or caribou meat. Additionally, Ortiz explained how the indigenous peoples utilized the region’s resources: “People came to this area in the spring and would stay through the summer to catch and preserve salmon.” This seasonal pattern showcases the deep connection between the community and their surrounding environment.

A Glimpse into the Past

Grover emphasizes the importance of this discovery, stating it serves as an opportunity for people to learn more about the Dene of Knik Arm and their ancestral lifestyle in the Anchorage area. As further examinations and tests are conducted, this archaeological find promises to deepen our understanding of the rich cultural history of Alaska.

In summary, the unearthing of this 1,000-year-old food storage pit not only highlights the innovative food preservation methods of the indigenous peoples but also reconnects us with the ancient narratives and traditions that define their existence. The ongoing research will undoubtedly unveil more mysteries of Alaska’s storied past.