Atlatl Cave facts for kids

Atlatl Cave is a really important archaeological site in Chaco Canyon, New Mexico. It's like a time capsule that shows us how ancient people lived around 900 BCE. This was during a time called the Archaic period in North America.

What Makes Atlatl Cave Special?

Atlatl Cave is unique because it's a rock shelter that protected many old things from the weather. This means archaeologists could find organic materials, which are things that were once alive, like plants and animal parts. These items usually decay and disappear over time. Because they were so well-preserved, scientists could use a method called radiocarbon dating to find out exactly how old they were. This helps us understand the past much better than sites where only stone tools remain.

What Did Archaeologists Find?

During the 1970s, archaeologists explored Atlatl Cave and made some amazing discoveries. They found many items that tell us about the daily lives of the Archaic people who lived there.

Ancient Food and Plants

They found evidence of early farming, including:

• Corn (maize)
• Beans
• Squash

The corn pollen grains found were much larger than those from later Puebloan times or even today's corn. This suggests it was a very old type of corn. They also found pieces of wood from juniper and Douglas fir trees, which might have been used for building or tools.

Tools and Clothing

The cave also held items that show how people made tools and clothes:

• A sandal made from yucca plant fibers.
• Tiny beads made from juniper wood.
• Pieces of basketry, showing their weaving skills.
• Fabric made from rabbit fur, likely used for warm clothing or blankets.

The Atlatl: A Key Discovery

One of the most exciting finds was part of an atlatl. This is a special tool used to throw spears with more power and accuracy. It's like a long stick with a hook that helps launch a spear much farther than you could throw it by hand. The cave was named "Atlatl Cave" because of this important discovery!

Where is Atlatl Cave Located?

Atlatl Cave is found at the western end of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. It sits at an elevation of about 1,910 meters (around 6,266 feet) above sea level. This area is known for its rich history and many ancient sites.

Why is Atlatl Cave Important for History?

Atlatl Cave helps us learn about the earliest people who lived in the Chaco Canyon area. Before the well-known Puebloan cultures built their large stone structures, Archaic people were living and adapting to this environment. The preserved items from Atlatl Cave give us rare insights into their diet, tools, clothing, and how they used the natural resources around them. It's a vital piece of the puzzle for understanding ancient life in the American Southwest.