Denbigh Flint complex facts for kids
The Denbigh Flint complex was a group of ancient people who lived in Alaska and northwestern Canada. They were active about 4,000 to 3,300 years ago. This means they lived between 2450 BC and 1450 BC. They were the first people to be part of a larger group called the Arctic Small Tool tradition.
Most places where Denbigh people lived were in northern Alaska, stretching from Cape Krusenstern to the western Yukon. But their sites have also been found further south, from the Aleutian Islands into mainland Alaska. These people were hunter-gatherers, meaning they moved around to find food. They mostly relied on caribou (also known as reindeer) for their meals.
Scientists believe the Denbigh Flint complex people came from the Syalakh and Bel’kachi cultures in Siberia. They were good at trading, moving special stones like obsidian over 500 kilometers (about 310 miles). Their way of life involved using both ocean and land resources. They would visit the coast during certain seasons to hunt seals. However, their main food source was caribou, which they hunted all year. Denbigh people also caught fish, gathered berries, and hunted birds, especially in the fall.
Where Did the Denbigh People Live?
As of 2016, archaeologists have found 140 places where the Denbigh Flint complex people lived. One very important site is the Iyatayet site. This is where the Denbigh Flint complex was first discovered.
During winter, Denbigh people often stayed near lakes in the tundra or in forests. They lived in special houses that were partly built underground. In other seasons, they lived in tents. These tents were set up in both inland areas and along the coast. Each tent usually had a stone fireplace in the middle.
Amazing Tools of the Denbigh People
Archaeologists know a site belongs to the Denbigh Flint complex because of the similar tools found there. The stone tools they made were very special and incredibly sharp. We know this from the tiny pieces of stone left behind when they made tools. They also made many different types of blades.
Andrew H. Tremayne, an archaeologist, described their tools. He said that Denbigh people used many ways to make their tools. They used different types of stone cores to create various specialized tools. These tools were often small, which made them easy to carry. Their small size also meant they could be used very effectively.
