Identification of ancient feather fragments found in melting alpine ice patches in southern Yukon

• Main Authors: In Southern Yukon, Carla J. Dove, P. Gregory Hare, M Arc, Y Heacker
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Yukon; Falco rusticolus; gyrfalcon; Subarctic
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.584.922; http://si-pddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/3781/1/VZ_cjd2.pdf

ABSTRACT. Twelve ancient artifacts or fragmented feather samples recovered from melting alpine ice patches in southern Yukon were analyzed in order to identify the species of birds associated with the ice patches or used on weapons recovered from these sites. The identification of bird species used by ancient hunters as long ago as 4500 BP enhances our insight into the customs, culture, and sophistication of life at that time. Downy feather barbs were found on two samples and microscopically identified as duck (Anatidae) and falcon (Falconidae). Further examination and comparisons using museum specimens resulted in a total of six identifications: Anatidae, eagle (Aquila or Haliaeetus), gyrfalcon {Falco rusticolus), white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus), short-eared owl {Asia flammeus), and northern flicker (Colaptes auratus luteus). Three of the feather samples were complete enough to show apparent modification, or notching, along the feather shaft. The identification of non-game birds such as gyrfalcon and eagles, together with evidence of possible worked or notched feathers, indicates that as long as 4500 years ago. Subarctic hunters selected feathers not only for their utility in fletching, but also possibly for symbolic or decorative purposes. Key words: Yukon ice patches, feather identification, archaeological artifacts, radiocarbon dates RESUME. On a analysé 12 anciens artefacts ou échantillons de fragments de plumes découverts dans le sud du Yukon lors de la fonte de plaques de glace alpine, afin d'identifier les espèces aviaires associées à ces plaques de glace ou utilisées sur les armes provenant de ces sites. L'identification des espèces aviaires utilisées par les anciens chasseurs à une époque aussi reculée que 4500 BP nous permet de mieux comprendre les coutumes, la culture et le degré de sophistication de la vie à cette époque. On a