Earliest North American dwelling reveals dog domestication clues

Archaeologists have discovered the earliest known dwelling in the Western Hemisphere at the 13,800-year-old Sheg Hdalti site in interior Alaska. The find, located 34 miles southeast of Fairbanks, pushes back the timeline for human settlement and offers new clues about the earliest possible domesticated dogs in the Americas.

Evidence indicates the site was used off and on for a millennium by early North American settlers. Researchers identified a hearth, a small pit, and a dirt stain from a wooden post, which may be the remains of a lean-to or tent house. Tens of thousands of artifacts were recovered, including stone tools, bone needle fragments, and an antler pendant. An earth oven containing charcoal and animal bones was found nearby, likely used for slow-cooking meat for a large family group.

Stone tools link to Siberian cultures

The tool assemblage includes diamond-shaped bifacial points made of rhyolite and basalt. These artifacts closely resemble objects found at ancient sites in northern Siberia. The similarity suggests long-distance cultural connections across Beringia during this early period of human movement into the Americas.

Volcanic glass reveals extensive travel networks

Obsidian artifacts found at Sheg Hdalti tell a story of wide-ranging movement. The volcanic glass originated from a source hundreds of miles to the northwest of the site. This indicates that the inhabitants were part of, or had access to, extensive travel and trade networks soon after their arrival in the region.

Canine remains and possible domestication

Bones from more than a dozen wolf-like animals were discovered at the site. Analysis of one jaw showed it belonged to a population characteristic of central Alaska. Genetic evidence suggests early domesticated dogs in North America descended from Siberian wolves. Researchers say the site’s age and location provide indirect evidence that its inhabitants may have kept dogs. Kelly Graf said: "It was a total surprise!"

Evidence of early needlework and ornamentation

Among the tens of thousands of artifacts are eight fragments of bone needles, described as the oldest needles found in the Western Hemisphere. A drilled antler pendant, pointed on one end, was also recovered. This ornament resembles personal adornments from early sites located south of the Canadian ice sheets, hinting at shared cultural practices or connections.

Researchers plan future excavations at Sheg Hdalti, which means "They were there" in the Athabaskan language, with the involvement of Alaska Native elders.