[OR_Archaeology] Dennis Jenkins featured at OAS January meeting

[Susan White]

Dr. Dennis Jenkins, with the Museum of Anthropology and the Museum of
Natural and Cultural History at the University of Oregon, will be the
featured lecturer at the January 6, 2009 Oregon Archaeological Society
meeting. He will be discussing findings from his three years of
re-excavations at Paisley 5 Mile Point Caves site in South-Central
Oregon. Previous excavations starting in the late 1930's, led
archaeologists to different conclusions as to whether or not there was
reliable evidence to prove that early humans occupied the site at the
time of Pleistocene (Ice Age) camel, horse, and bison. 
 
Jenkins* recovery of coprolites (dried feces) containing ancient human
DNA, protein residues, and human hair demonstrated that the site was
indeed occupied by at least 14,300 years ago (1000 years earlier than
the most accurately dated Clovis artifacts)). Analysis of the ancient
DNA in the coprolites indicated that the humans probably originated in
East Asia (Japan, Korea, China) or Siberia and were most likely related
to Native Americans. Jenkins has learned much about these people*s diet,
ecological adaptation to their setting, and other activities.
 
Dr. Jenkins* presentation will follow the OAS general business meeting
which starts at 7 pm.  Both are free and open to the public.
 
See www.oregonarchaeological.org ( http://www.oregonarchaeological.org/
)or call 503-727-3507 for more information.
 
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