Hand-carved arrowheads and jagged spears made of obsidian, a sharp rock formed by volcanic magma, are remnants of vast prehistoric trade networks that once cut across western North America. New research is shedding light on the artifacts unearthed in Alberta.
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“The sheer scale of obsidian trade tells us that likely millions of people were in contact with one another,” said Allan, who works with Ember Archaeology, an archaeology and historic resources consulting firm based in Sherwood Park, Alta.
“The scope of the trade network was way more massive than we thought.”
Understanding the journeys of obsidian artifacts can provide new insight into how people moved across the landscape and the complex cultural ties that shaped the continent centuries ago, Allan said.
“It’s definitely part of our role in reconciliation, as archaeologists, to help tell these stories.”
Really interesting read, OP! ty for linking it here.