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Researchers also found a treasure trove of stone and conch mining tools in the area.
Originally posted by whatisanameanyway
Evidence of reasonably developed level of industry and presumably civilisation in South America just after last ice age.
Would be interesting to know exactly where this is located, because parts of Chile would have been under ice cover at this time. Perhaps the mine is older than the artefacts which have been dated?
www.abc.net.au
(visit the link for the full news article)
Originally posted by J-in-TX
I simply can't believe all of the speculation about people smelting iron 12,000 years ago.
Look at what the article said. www.abc.net.au...
Researchers also found a treasure trove of stone and conch mining tools in the area.
Stone tools and CONCH shells, I repeat CONCH shells. If these people had the ability to make iron chisels, then why would they be using the seashells left over from breakfast?
Dyes, paint, makeup, and religious purposes are all good uses for the rust that they were mining, but I am thinking it also had a different purpose. I am thinking it was probably used in pottery. Either just for decoration or more likely mixed in for strength or heat resistance. Clay pottery do not last very long, especially when used to cook in.
Strong, durable, and decorative clayware would not only be beneficial to them, but it would also be a valuable trade commodity.
J.
Originally posted by whatisanameanyway
Evidence of reasonably developed level of industry and presumably civilisation in South America just after last ice age.
Would be interesting to know exactly where this is located, because parts of Chile would have been under ice cover at this time. Perhaps the mine is older than the artefacts which have been dated?
www.abc.net.au
(visit the link for the full news article)