This week we interview Dr. Spencer Pelton, the Wyoming State Archaeologist, about his work on the Powers II red ochre quarry site. He recently co-authored a paper about that site, and in it they reveal that the dating results make the Powers Site potentially the oldest quarry site in North America. It's a fascinating and unique site and Dr. Pelton graciously shares his expertise on red ochre, how it was mined, and how it was potentially used by Paleoindian people in Wyoming.
Links
In situ evidence for Paleoindian hematite quarrying at the Powars II site (48PL330), Wyoming
This 12,000-Year-Old Wyoming Quarry Could Be North America’s Oldest Mine
A Life in Ruins Episodes with Dr. Spencer Pelton
Contact
Chris Webster
Rachel Roden
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