12,000-Year-Old Sewn Clothes Discovered in Oregon

The discovery of the oldest known sewn clothing, approximately 12,000 years old, in Oregon caves is poised to reshape our understanding of early human history. Researchers uncovered pieces of animal hide stitched together, dating from the end of the last Ice Age. This suggests advanced skills in working with plants, animals, and wood existed in North America thousands of years before the construction of the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

Until now, early humans in the present-day US were thought to be simple hunter-gatherers. However, these artifacts represent the best-preserved evidence of sophisticated technology, including sewn clothing, twined baskets, and wooden hunting traps. A total of 55 crafted items were unearthed, made from 15 different plant and animal types, with some strongly believed to be clothing or footwear.

Key discoveries were made in Cougar Mountain Cave and Paisley Caves, yielding sewn animal hide, braided cords, wooden trap parts, and baskets. Additional finds include bone needles used for sewing, highlighting skilled craftsmanship. These sites served as main shelters for early hunter-gatherer groups following food sources during the Ice Age.

These ancient collections, initially excavated decades ago, were re-examined using modern radiocarbon dating. This confirmed the age and sophistication of finds like a piece of elk hide stitched with cord, likely from a coat or shoe. The revelations from Oregon underscore the existence of complex societies in the US well before the rise of ancient civilizations like Egypt.