Cody complex facts for kids
The Cody complex was a group of early people in North America. They lived a very long time ago, around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. We first learned about them near Cody, Wyoming, in 1951. This was at a place where they hunted ancient bison, a type of large buffalo that lived back then.
Tools made by the Cody complex people have been found all over North America. They stretch from Canada down to places like Oklahoma and Texas. These people mostly lived in the Great Plains of North America. This area is known for its wide, flat grasslands. Finding the Cody complex helped experts learn more about early North American cultures. It showed there were more groups than just the Folsom people.
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What is the Cody Complex?
The Cody complex is named after Cody, Wyoming. This is where their tools and campsites were first found. These early people were hunter-gatherers. This means they moved around to find food. They hunted animals and gathered plants.
Many Cody complex sites were places where they hunted and prepared ancient bison. They also had campsites where they lived for a while. These sites help us understand how they lived.
Where was the Cody Complex found?
The main area where the Cody complex lived was the Great Plains of North America. This includes parts of what is now the United States and Canada. Their tools have been found in many states. These include Wyoming, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. This shows they traveled widely across the plains.
Archaeologists study these sites. They learn about the daily lives of these ancient people. They find clues about their hunting methods. They also learn about their tools and how they used them.
What tools did the Cody Complex people use?
The Cody complex is known for its special tools. These tools were made between about 8,000 and 10,000 years ago. They include unique knives and spear points. These tools are different from those made by other ancient groups.
- Cody knives: These knives have a special shape. They are often long and thin. They have a handle-like base. This made them easy to hold.
- Scottsbluff points: These are spear or dart points. They are long and narrow. They have a distinct shape at the base.
- Eden points: These are also spear or dart points. They are diamond-shaped. They are very well-made and sharp.
How were these tools special?
The tools of the Cody complex show great skill. The people who made them were expert stone workers. They used a technique called "flaking." This is where they chipped away at stone to make sharp edges. The unique shapes of their tools help archaeologists identify their sites. These tools were very important for hunting large animals. They also used them for butchering and preparing food.
The discovery of these tools helped scientists. It showed how different early groups lived. It also showed how they adapted to their environment. The Cody complex is an important part of North American history. It teaches us about the first people to live on this continent.
