Paleoindian ochre mines in the submerged caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Paleoindian ochre mines in the submerged caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo, Mexico
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DOI：
10.1126/sciadv.aba1219
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发表时间：
2020-07-01
期刊：
影响因子：
13.6
通讯作者：
Luna Erreguerena, Pilar
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
MacDonald, Brandi L.;Chatters, James C.;Luna Erreguerena, Pilar
对尤卡坦半岛现已被淹没的洞穴系统的研究继续发现更新世-全新世过渡期间人类存在的证据。骨骼遗骸散布在昆塔纳鲁奥的洞穴中，大多数代表就地死亡的个人。他们探索这些地下环境的原因尚不清楚。在这里，我们宣布发现了在美洲发现的第一个古印度时代的地下赭石矿，为在尤卡坦东部的三个洞穴系统中进行采矿提供了令人信服的证据，时间大约在12ka到10ka之间，大约2000年。洞穴通道展示了赭石提取坑、洞穴挖掘工具、破碎和堆积的飞石碎片、凯恩式航标和从高树脂木材物种中产生木炭的壁炉的保存下来的证据。这些活动的复杂程度和范围表明，他们愿意冒险进入洞穴的黑暗地带，勘探和收集显然是高度宝贵的矿产资源。
Investigations in the now-submerged cave systems on the Yucatan Peninsula continue to yield evidence for human presence during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Skeletal remains are scattered throughout the caves of Quintana Roo, most representing individuals who died in situ. The reasons why they explored these underground environments have remained unclear. Here, we announce the discovery of the first subterranean ochre mine of Paleoindian age found in the Americas, offering compelling evidence for mining in three cave systems on the eastern Yucatan over a similar to 2000-year period between similar to 12 and 10 ka. The cave passages exhibit preserved evidence for ochre extraction pits, speleothem digging tools, shattered and piled flowstone debris, cairn navigational markers, and hearths yielding charcoal from highly resinous wood species. The sophistication and extent of the activities demonstrate a readiness to venture into the dark zones of the caves to prospect and collect what was evidently a highly valued mineral resource.