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The shells-from a genus of mollusk known as Nassarius-had a hole drilled through the middle so they could be strung on a necklace or bracelet.
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Similar items have been found in another site in Algeria. Scientists uncovered a collection of shells from Skhul Cave, an archaeological site on Mount Carmel in Israel. The earliest example of people displaying decoration for its own sake is from 100,000 years ago. Jewelry is interesting in that it has no value that isn’t social-it doesn’t keep us warm or help us find food. These are the oldest examples we have of humans creating things that typify the span of human progress. Archaeologists have been digging up iconic artifacts for decades, pushing back the known date of when our ancestors started participating in a culture we would recognize. Some objects are archetypal of human civilization all over the world. If you think you have found an archaeological site or an artifact please report your find.The tools we use and the things we wear are a big part of what separates us from other animals. For more information, see the archaeological permits page. Professionals working in the province have specific qualifications and experience that make them eligible to hold a permit.
#Oldest artifact professional
Archaeological investigationĪrchaeological investigations, surveys or excavations in Alberta must be carried out by a professional archaeologist under a valid permit that has been approved by the Director of the Archaeological Survey. The site records contain information such as location, site type, description and age.īecause most archaeological sites are fragile and irreplaceable, access to detailed site records is usually limited to approved researchers.
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New site records can result from investigations conducted in areas proposed for development, as required through the Historic Resources Impact Assessment process, or from academic research projects.
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The Alberta Archaeological Sites Inventory contains the records of over 40,000 sites, with approximately 500 new records added each year. Our archaeological resources are valuable and need to be protected and conserved. Archaeology allows us to reconstruct the past through the study of material remains and to recover a rich history that might otherwise be lost. Why is archaeology important?Īlberta has over 13,000 years of history and for most of that time written records were not made.
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