Braided cords and twine found at Oregon cave show ancient sewing tech using sagebrush, dogbane, juniper & bitterbrush fibers. Elk hide was dehaired & stitched into fitted clothing with cord through its margin. The oldest sewn hide ever found 🧵🦌
World's oldest sewn hide found in Oregon caves, 12,900 years old
Site mentioned
📍 Oregon Caves
Key facts
- Sewn hide cords and twine found in two Oregon caves originally excavated in 1958
- Radiocarbon dating places them in the Younger Dryas period: 12,900 to 11,700 years ago
- Cords were braided using three strands made from sagebrush, dogbane, juniper, and bitterbrush fibers
- Three pieces of North American elk hide were processed and dehaired with cord sewn into the sides
- This is the oldest example of sewn hide in the world
- 17 bone needles and ornamental items including porcupine tooth with drilled hole were also found
- The technology allowed for tight-fitting clothing essential for permanent residents in northern latitudes
Sources
livescience.com
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ncl.ac.uk
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nature.com
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