Archaeologists Dig Up An 800-Year-Old Native American Pot

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[h=1]Archaeologists Dig Up An 800-Year-Old Native American Pot. What They Found Inside Is Changing History[/h]adminApril 10, 2017

squash-1-600x450.jpg

In 2008, on a dig in the First Nation’s Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin, archaeologists made a small but stunning discovery: a tiny clay pot.
Though it might not have seemed very impressive at first glimpse, this little piece of pottery was determined to be about 800 years old.
And inside that pot? Something that changes how we’re looking at extinction, preservation, and food storage, as well as how humans have influenced the planet in their time on it.
It’s amazing to think that a little clay pot buried in the ground 800 years ago would still be relevant today, but it’s true! It’s actually brought an extinct species of squash that was presumed to be lost forever. Thank our Indigenous Ancestors!
Even they knew what preservation meant. They knew the importance of the future, Is it not amazing that they are affecting our walks of life even to this day?
Here it is! The pot was unearthed on the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin, where it had laid buried for the past 800 years.
Inside, archaeologists found a stash of seeds. The seeds were probably buried in the pot as a method of storing food supplies. They were determined to be an old, now-extinct species of squash.
squash-2.jpg

Now, seven years after making this stunning discovery, students in Winnipeg decided to plant the 800-year-old seeds… To everyone’s amazement, something grew!
squash-3.jpg

The squash was named Gete-okosomin. It means “Cool Old Squash” in the Menominee language. (Respect to the Science people for respecting the Indigenous people who’s land this was found on, We See Your Good Nature!)

squash-4-600x450.jpg

Now, they’re working to cultivate the squash so that it doesn’t go extinct ..again.
squash-5.jpg

It may be just a humble squash, but it’s also a symbol of First Nations’ community and history, as well as a fascinating look into how amazing plants can be.
squash-6-600x319.jpg


It just goes to show you that plants can be pretty incredible.. and that sometimes, history has a funny way of coming back around. The Wheel of Life really stands out in this instance of history. Our Indigenous roots are strong and very much tied to the land. I was taught once that the people of Turtle Island were keepers of the land, not owners. I feel like this Squash is proof of that teaching.

http://nativesnewsonline.com/2017/04/10/archaeologists-dig-up-an-800-year-old-native-american-pot-what-they-found-inside-is-changing-history/
[h=1]Archaeologists Dig Up An 800-Year-Old Native American Pot. What They Found Inside Is Changing History[/h]adminApril 10, 2017

squash-1-600x450.jpg

In 2008, on a dig in the First Nation’s Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin, archaeologists made a small but stunning discovery: a tiny clay pot.
Though it might not have seemed very impressive at first glimpse, this little piece of pottery was determined to be about 800 years old.
And inside that pot? Something that changes how we’re looking at extinction, preservation, and food storage, as well as how humans have influenced the planet in their time on it.
It’s amazing to think that a little clay pot buried in the ground 800 years ago would still be relevant today, but it’s true! It’s actually brought an extinct species of squash that was presumed to be lost forever. Thank our Indigenous Ancestors!
Even they knew what preservation meant. They knew the importance of the future, Is it not amazing that they are affecting our walks of life even to this day?
Here it is! The pot was unearthed on the Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin, where it had laid buried for the past 800 years.
Inside, archaeologists found a stash of seeds. The seeds were probably buried in the pot as a method of storing food supplies. They were determined to be an old, now-extinct species of squash.
squash-2.jpg

Now, seven years after making this stunning discovery, students in Winnipeg decided to plant the 800-year-old seeds… To everyone’s amazement, something grew!
squash-3.jpg

The squash was named Gete-okosomin. It means “Cool Old Squash” in the Menominee language. (Respect to the Science people for respecting the Indigenous people who’s land this was found on, We See Your Good Nature!)

squash-4-600x450.jpg

Now, they’re working to cultivate the squash so that it doesn’t go extinct ..again.
squash-5.jpg

It may be just a humble squash, but it’s also a symbol of First Nations’ community and history, as well as a fascinating look into how amazing plants can be.
squash-6-600x319.jpg

It just goes to show you that plants can be pretty incredible.. and that sometimes, history has a funny way of coming back around. The Wheel of Life really stands out in this instance of history. Our Indigenous roots are strong and very much tied to the land. I was taught once that the people of Turtle Island were keepers of the land, not owners. I feel like this Squash is proof of that teaching.

http://nativesnewsonline.com/2017/04/10/archaeologists-dig-up-an-800-year-old-native-american-pot-what-they-found-inside-is-changing-history/
 

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old digger

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I don't know about extinct, I have been growing the same type of squash in my garden for quite a few years.
 

Oddjob

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That is very cool, finding a treasure is one thing, but to be able to bring back a staple food is really cool. Maybe this can grown in extreme harsh conditions where food is limited.
 

1320

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Good clarification. It would take some incredible conditions to have viable 800 year old seeds in Wisconsin. The Middle East, not so much of a problem. I also highly doubt that pollinations were controlled for over 5,000 years unless the growers grew small quantities, grew no other crossible plants remotely close (pumpkins, other squash) and secured the female flower immediately after conducting a hand pollination and then making sure that not a single bug or bee got within said females for a few hours. Not quite sure but I think you have to "self" a variety to keep it pure. If you "sib" it, then other potential genetic lines are brought in.

If this is a c. pepo squash there are a wide range of possible cross pollinations including zucchini, marrow, pumpkins, and gourds.
 

newnan man

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He burned and he chopped and he chopped and he burned and killed all our cute little weeds....then he drove away, we just smiled and waved, sitting there on that sack of seed! Jim Stafford, The Wildwood Flower.
 

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