For millennia, the lands of present-day Idaho have been home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures. Oral traditions of Idaho’s Indian tribes speak of their presence here since time immemorial. Archaeological evidence supports this claim, revealing a cultural history extending back at least 6,000 years. This article, titled Ancient Idaho Culture Timeline, 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE, will delve into this history.
Idaho’s geographical location places it at the intersection of two major cultural areas: the Plateau Region in the north and the Great Basin Region in the south. These regions, characterized by distinct environmental conditions, shaped the lifestyles and adaptations of the indigenous peoples inhabiting them. The period between 6000 BCE and 3000 BCE, known to archaeologists as the Middle Period, witnessed significant environmental changes that profoundly impacted the lives of these early inhabitants in both regions. Understanding the cultural adaptations and technological innovations during this era provides invaluable insights into the resilience and resourcefulness of Ancient Idaho Culture Timeline, 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE.
This timeline explores the archaeological record, highlighting key sites and discoveries that illuminate the lives of Idaho’s early inhabitants during this pivotal period.
6000 BCE: Owl Cave – A Bison Hunting Ground
Owl Cave, a significant archaeological site, reveals the sophisticated hunting strategies employed by early Idahoans as early as 6000 BCE. This cave served as a natural trap for bison, commonly referred to as buffalo today. Archaeologist B. Robert Butler, in the Handbook of North American Indians, describes the coordinated efforts involved in these bison hunts. The evidence suggests that these were not haphazard events, but rather carefully planned and executed operations. Herds of 30 or more Bison antiquus, an extinct ancestor of the modern bison, were strategically driven or lured into the cave. Once trapped, the bison were dispatched with spears, thrust into their body cavities. The carcasses were then systematically butchered within the cave, providing a valuable source of food, hides, and bones for tools and other essential items.
The Bison antiquus, which roamed the North American landscape during the Pleistocene and early Holocene epochs, was a magnificent creature. Reaching sizes up to 25% larger than the modern Bison bison, these massive animals provided a substantial source of sustenance for the early inhabitants of Idaho. The discovery of bison bones within Owl Cave provides a tangible link to this extinct species and offers insights into the ecological conditions of the time. The scale of the hunting operations at Owl Cave suggests a high degree of social organization and cooperation among the hunters.
6000 BCE: Centennial Mountains – Campsites of Hunter-Gatherers
Simultaneously, around 6000 BCE, people were actively hunting and gathering resources in the Centennial Mountains, located in southeastern Idaho. The discovery of numerous campsites in this area suggests that the Centennial Mountains served as an important seasonal or semi-permanent home for these early inhabitants. The location likely provided access to a variety of resources, including game animals, edible plants, and water sources. The remains of these campsites offer valuable clues about the daily lives, subsistence strategies, and technological capabilities of these early Idahoans.
5800 BCE: Quarry Sites – Sources of Stone Tools
By 5800 BCE, indigenous peoples were utilizing quarry sites located along the upper Salmon and Pahsimeroi rivers, at elevations of approximately 7,800 feet. These quarry sites were critical for obtaining the raw materials necessary for manufacturing tools and weapons. The availability of high-quality stone, such as chert or obsidian, was essential for survival. These materials were carefully selected and skillfully knapped into a variety of tools, including projectile points, scrapers, and knives.
These quarry sites were not only important for the local inhabitants, but they also served as centers for trade and exchange with other groups. The finished tools, or even the raw materials themselves, were valuable commodities that could be bartered for other goods and services. This exchange network facilitated the movement of ideas and technologies across the region, contributing to the cultural development of Ancient Idaho Culture Timeline, 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE.
5800 BCE: Bernard Creek Rockshelter – Shelter in Hells Canyon
Around 5800 BCE, the Bernard Creek Rockshelter in Hells Canyon was occupied by early inhabitants. Rockshelters provided natural protection from the elements, offering a safe and comfortable living space. The location of the Bernard Creek Rockshelter in Hells Canyon suggests that the people were adapted to the rugged terrain and the resources available in this environment.
5200 BCE: Birch Creek – Adapting to Arid Conditions
By 5200 BCE, native peoples were residing in the Birch Creek area. During this period, the climate became increasingly arid, causing lakes to shrink and become occasional marshes. This change in the environment would have required the inhabitants to adapt their subsistence strategies and technologies to cope with the drier conditions. This could involve a greater reliance on drought-resistant plants, the development of water storage techniques, or increased mobility to follow available resources.
5100 BCE: Kirkwood Bar Site – Life Near the River
Around 5100 BCE, the Kirkwood Bar site in Hells Canyon was inhabited. Its proximity to the river would have provided access to water, fish, and transportation routes. The river served as a lifeline for the people, supporting their basic needs and facilitating communication and exchange with other groups.
5000 BCE: DeMoss Site – An Ancient Cemetery
A cemetery at the DeMoss site in south-central Idaho has been dated to approximately 5000 BCE. This discovery offers valuable insights into the burial practices, social structures, and beliefs of these early Idahoans. The presence of a dedicated cemetery suggests a sense of community and a belief in an afterlife. The analysis of the skeletal remains and associated artifacts can provide information about the health, diet, and social status of the individuals buried there.
4400 BCE: Root Plants in the Plateau Area
Around 4400 BCE, people in the eastern Plateau Area (present-day northern Idaho) began utilizing root plants as a significant food source. Evidence for this comes from the discovery of earth ovens, which were used for processing these plant foods. Earth ovens are underground pits lined with heated stones, which provide a consistent and efficient way to cook large quantities of food.
By 3500 BCE, camas, a starchy root plant, had become a regular staple of diets in this area. Camas was an important source of carbohydrates and was often dried and stored for later use. The use of root plants demonstrates the ingenuity and adaptability of these early people in utilizing the resources available in their environment.
4050 BCE: Nez Perce Village on the Clearwater River
Around 4050 BCE, the Nez Perce established a village site on the Clearwater River. Salmon fishing played a major role in their diet, showcasing the significance of aquatic resources for the Nez Perce and other riverine communities. The Clearwater River provided a reliable source of salmon, which were caught using a variety of techniques, including weirs, nets, and spears. The salmon were then dried or smoked to preserve them for later consumption.
4000 BCE: Ancient Graves and Island Park Reservoir
A graveyard containing 22 individuals near the Little Salmon River has been dated to around 4000 BCE, reinforcing the significance of burial practices in understanding Ancient Idaho Culture Timeline, 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE. Simultaneously, people began inhabiting the Island Park Reservoir area, taking advantage of the resources available in this high-altitude environment.
3840 BCE: Weiser River – Mass Grave
The discovery of a mass grave containing two women and four children near the mouth of the Weiser River, dated to about 3840 BCE, presents a poignant glimpse into the past. The circumstances surrounding this mass burial remain unclear, but it may be related to disease, warfare, or other catastrophic events.
3380 BCE: Challis – Buffalo Jump
A buffalo jump near present-day Challis, used to kill bison, dates to about 3380 BCE. Buffalo jumps were strategically located cliffs or steep slopes where bison could be driven over the edge, resulting in their death or incapacitation. This hunting technique required a high degree of coordination and cooperation among the hunters, as well as a thorough understanding of bison behavior.
3200 BCE: Burials with Elaborate Grave Goods
By 3200 BCE, in southwest Idaho, individuals were buried with elaborate grave goods, including red ochre, olivella shells, large biface points, dog skulls, pipes, hematite crystals, and tools. These elaborate burials suggest a complex social hierarchy and a belief in the importance of material possessions in the afterlife. The presence of exotic items, such as olivella shells from the Pacific coast, indicates that these communities were part of extensive trade networks.
3000 BCE: Corn Creek – Continued Habitation
Native people began living in the Corn Creek area around 3000 BCE, marking the continuation of human presence and adaptation in this region.
This Ancient Idaho Culture Timeline, 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE provides a glimpse into the long and rich history of Idaho’s indigenous peoples. The archaeological record reveals a story of adaptation, resilience, and ingenuity in the face of environmental change. As research continues, new discoveries will undoubtedly further illuminate our understanding of this fascinating period in Idaho’s past.
