Archaeologists at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska made an extraordinary discovery—a food storage cache dating back nearly 1,000 years. The find was made during routine excavations conducted by Northern Land Use Research Alaska in collaboration with JBER. The pit, buried deep in the permafrost near Upper Cook Inlet, had been remarkably well preserved, offering an unprecedented glimpse into ancient food preservation techniques.
Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the cache was used around a millennium ago by Indigenous peoples, likely the Dene people, who lived in the region long before European contact. What makes this find so significant is the state of preservation; unlike many ancient food storage sites, which often degrade due to environmental factors, this cache remained mostly intact. The discovery has sparked great interest among researchers, as it offers tangible evidence of the innovative survival strategies used by Alaska’s early inhabitants.
This find not only provides insights into prehistoric food storage methods but also helps archaeologists understand the seasonal movements and lifestyles of the people who once thrived in the unforgiving Arctic environment. By studying this cache, researchers hope to piece together a clearer picture of the subsistence patterns that sustained Indigenous Alaskan communities for centuries.
Construction and Purpose of the Cache
Courtesy Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson
The 1,000-year-old cache was a carefully constructed pit, about 3.5 feet deep, lined with birch bark and layers of grass. This design was no accident—it played a crucial role in protecting stored food from moisture, dirt, and pests. Unlike modern refrigeration, ancient Alaskans relied on the insulating properties of natural materials and permafrost to keep their provisions from spoiling. The presence of birch bark is particularly significant, as the material is known for its antimicrobial properties, which would have helped prevent bacterial growth and contamination.
Caches like this one were vital for survival, especially in Alaska’s harsh climate, where long, freezing winters made hunting and gathering difficult. Indigenous communities would store fish, meat, and berries in such pits, ensuring they had enough food to last through the winter months. The careful construction suggests that these food storage techniques were refined over generations, with knowledge passed down through oral traditions.
By analyzing the soil and remnants within the cache, researchers hope to determine exactly what was stored there. If traces of preserved fish, animal fat, or plant matter are found, it could reveal new insights into the dietary habits of Alaska’s ancient inhabitants. This discovery underscores how early peoples adapted to their environment using ingenious and sustainable methods, a testament to their deep understanding of the land.
Significance to the Dene People
The location of the cache provides strong evidence that it was used by the Dene people, specifically the Dena’ina and Ahtna tribes, who historically inhabited the region. These Indigenous groups were semi-nomadic, moving seasonally between hunting, fishing, and gathering sites. Upper Cook Inlet was a prime location for fishing, particularly for salmon, which was a staple of their diet.
The presence of the cache along a well-established traditional trail suggests that it was used as a food reserve for travelers or as part of a larger seasonal settlement. During the warmer months, Indigenous families would gather in the area to fish, dry meat, and preserve food for the winter. The existence of a permanent food storage pit reinforces the idea that these communities had a sophisticated understanding of long-term sustenance planning.
For the Dene people, food was not merely a means of survival—it was deeply tied to cultural identity, spirituality, and tradition. Oral histories describe elaborate preservation techniques and the communal effort involved in securing food for the cold months ahead. The discovery of this cache aligns with those oral traditions, offering tangible proof that these Indigenous methods were not only effective but essential to survival in the Arctic.
Insights from Radiocarbon Dating
Initially, archaeologists suspected the cache to be a few hundred years old, perhaps dating back to the early European contact period. However, radiocarbon dating of organic materials found within the pit provided a surprising revelation—it was nearly 1,000 years old, predating many historical records of the region’s Indigenous communities.
This discovery is significant because it provides archaeological evidence that aligns with oral histories passed down among the Dene people. Indigenous knowledge keepers have long described the use of underground food storage, but until now, physical evidence has been limited. With advanced dating techniques, researchers can now confirm that these practices existed much earlier than previously thought.
The findings also suggest that similar caches may still be buried beneath Alaska’s permafrost, waiting to be uncovered. As climate change accelerates permafrost melt, archaeologists are in a race against time to document and study these ancient sites before they deteriorate. Each new discovery adds to the growing body of knowledge about Indigenous resilience and adaptability in extreme environments.
Collaborative Research Efforts
The excavation and study of the food cache have been a joint effort between archaeologists, Indigenous groups, and research institutions. Recognizing the cultural significance of the find, local tribal councils have been actively involved in the research process. Their insights provide invaluable context, helping researchers interpret the use and meaning of such caches within Indigenous traditions.
Further investigations are planned to analyze the chemical composition of the soil within the cache to determine exactly what types of food were stored there. Additional radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis may also provide clues about the broader subsistence strategies of the people who used it.
The discovery of this 1,000-year-old food storage pit is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. By working together, archaeologists and Indigenous communities can ensure that the history of these early societies is not only preserved but also honored for generations to come.
A Window Into Alaska’s Ancient Past
The discovery of this 1,000-year-old food storage cache in Alaska is more than just an archaeological milestone—it is a testament to the resourcefulness and deep ecological knowledge of the Indigenous Dene people. Through careful construction and strategic food preservation, they were able to thrive in an environment that demanded resilience and adaptability. The cache serves as a tangible connection to their way of life, reinforcing oral histories that have been passed down for generations.
Conclusion
As scientists continue to analyze the pit’s contents, more details will emerge about the diet, survival strategies, and seasonal movements of these early Alaskans. This research not only sheds light on the past but also highlights the importance of preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions. With climate change threatening to expose and degrade similar archaeological sites, the urgency to document and protect these discoveries has never been greater.
Ultimately, this find is a reminder of the deep history embedded within the land and the people who have stewarded it for millennia. By studying and honoring their legacy, we gain a richer understanding of how human ingenuity has shaped survival in one of the world’s most challenging environments.
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