Ancient traces of transportation methods have been discovered at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, shedding light on how some of the earliest inhabitants of North America may have moved goods around 21,000 to 23,000 years ago. These findings challenge previous notions about the technological capabilities of prehistoric peoples, indicating they utilized wooden "sleds" or similar vehicles long before the wheel was invented.
The research, detailed in Quaternary Science Advances, reveals impressions on the ground resembling sled tracks near ancient human footprints, believed to represent some of the oldests signs of human activity on the continent. Matthew Bennett, the lead researcher, described the discovery as groundbreaking, providing the first real insight on how prehistoric people managed heavy loads before the invention of the wheel.
Representatives from local Native American tribes contributed to the research, voicing the theory these traces could represent something akin to the "travois"—a simple frame used by some indigenous cultures to transport their possessions. Historically, these structures were pulled by dogs and, later on, horses during the initial encounters with European colonizers.
The presence of these sled-like structures reflects not only the practical needs of ancient communities but also their level of organization. Evidence suggests they transported not only goods but also children and elderly, as indicated by the size and position of the footprints alongside the sled impressions. "Many of us are familiar with the situation where we push a shopping cart around the supermarket, moving back and forth with kids hanging off us. It’s seemingly the ancient version of this, but without wheels," Bennett noted.
The research commenced at the site in 2020, building on prior excavations demonstrating human tracks preserved under layers of sediment. The researchers drew connections between ancient practices and methods still evident among contemporary Native American communities, underscoring the significant impact of these findings on our historical narrative.
Measurements taken revealed the sled tracks extend up to 50 meters, with single lines possibly made by two rods bundled together or, at times, parallel lines indicating two cords crossing at the center. This aligns closely with the design of modern travois used by indigenous peoples to secure and carry items.
Despite some contention surrounding the dating of the footprints, with critics debating the proposed timeframe, the authors of the study maintain these discoveries provide valuable insights. They assert, "Disputes over dating should not detract from the identification of these features, which display ancient practices of indigenous peoples regardless of any adjustments made to the timeline involved."
Previously held beliefs had placed human arrival to North America around 13,000 to 16,000 years ago, based on other archaeological findings. This new evidence from the White Sands site forces historians and archaeologists to reconsider how quickly these early communities could have adapted and developed techniques for transportation.
Such insights open new chapters on what is known about social structures and trade networks among these ancient communities. If they were using organized methods of transport such as sleds, this hints at the existence of frameworks for movement and trade extending across vast distances.
This landmark discovery enriches the dialogue surrounding the technological evolution of human societies. It suggests advanced planning and social organization among those early inhabitants, possibly spawning efficient trading systems well before written history. These ancient traces are more than just remnants; they are narratives of human ingenuity and resilience.
Overall, the fresh perspectives gained from the White Sands research expand our comprehension of how these early peoples lived, adapting to their environments with innovative solutions. The findings not only redefine timelines but also call on us to recognize and respect the legs of history borne by our ancient ancestors as they traversed the landscapes of what would eventually become North America.