Indigenous and scientific partnership reveals a 5,200-year-old system of canoes, shedding light on ancient drought survival strategies

Bitget App

Trade smarter

Bitget-RWA2025/11/19 20:20

By:Bitget-RWA

- Wisconsin archaeologists discovered 16 ancient canoes (5,200 years old) in Lake Mendota, revealing Indigenous travel networks and drought adaptation strategies. - Collaborating with Ho-Chunk Nation and Chippewa tribes, researchers used imaging and radiocarbon dating to map the canoes, including the third oldest in eastern North America. - The canoes, buried in sediment for preservation, highlight Indigenous knowledge of tree selection and spiritual connections to waterways. - Two recovered canoes are bei

Archaeologists in Wisconsin have discovered a submerged prehistoric "parking lot" containing 16 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota, providing remarkable new perspectives on Indigenous transportation routes and how early peoples adapted to their environment in this area.

Some of the canoes are estimated to be as old as 5,200 years

, and were found grouped together near what were once Native trails, indicating they may have been communal assets for those journeying across the lakes during an extended drought.

Through a partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Wisconsin Historical Society has charted the canoes' positions using state-of-the-art imaging and radiocarbon analysis. The oldest vessel—made from red oak and dating back to 3000 BCE—is

the third oldest canoe ever recorded in eastern North America

and represents the earliest dugout canoe identified in the Great Lakes area. Experts believe the canoes were intentionally buried in lakebed sediment to protect them from seasonal changes in water level,

a method that may have been practiced for thousands of years

The importance of this site goes far beyond its age.

Indigenous and scientific partnership reveals a 5,200-year-old system of canoes, shedding light on ancient drought survival strategies image 0

It is believed these canoes enabled travel between Lake Mendota and significant cultural sites such as Lake Wingra, which the Ho-Chunk Nation considers a sacred gateway.

Tribal leaders say

, "The canoes are a testament to our people's long history in this land and our enduring bond with these waters and territories," stated Bill Quackenbush, tribal preservation officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation. The research has also highlighted advanced Indigenous expertise in choosing tree species, including the use of oak with stress-induced tyloses to prevent rot—a technique that

predates what we now know as bioengineering

Conservation work is ongoing for the two canoes that have been retrieved, with

a $113,912 grant from the National Park Service

funding a multi-year stabilization effort using polyethylene glycol and freeze-drying. These boats will ultimately be exhibited at the Wisconsin History Center, helping to illuminate the Indigenous legacy of the region.

This find highlights the importance of working together in archaeology. Tamara Thomsen, a maritime archaeologist for Wisconsin, noted that collaborating with tribal groups has deepened the research, merging scientific methods with traditional knowledge.

Researchers report

, "Each canoe adds another piece to the puzzle," she remarked, pointing out that the project has had a profound emotional and cultural impact on those involved.

As the team continues to chart the 14 remaining canoes still underwater, they believe that even older boats—

possibly dating back 7,000 years

—could be hidden beneath the current discoveries, suggesting the presence of ancient communities that existed before many of Wisconsin's present-day tribes.

Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.

PoolX: Earn new token airdrops

Lock your assets and earn 10%+ APR

Lock now!

- Naver Financial acquires Dunamu via equity swap, making Upbit a wholly owned subsidiary to expand digital finance and crypto markets. - Dunamu's chairman becomes largest shareholder (28%), while Naver's stake dilutes to 17%, raising valuation and governance concerns. - Regulatory scrutiny focuses on antitrust risks as Upbit holds 50.6% market share, amid intensified competition from Bithumb and U.S. crypto firms. - Naver plans a won-backed stablecoin integrated into Naver Pay and explores Saudi partnersh

Bitget-RWA•2025/11/20 12:26

Naver's Cryptocurrency Merger Approaches Completion Despite Regulatory Hurdles and Valuation Issues

Modular Data Centers Address the Challenge of Balancing AI Performance and Environmental Responsibility

- Siemens and Delta partner to launch modular data center solutions, aiming to cut deployment time by 50%, costs by 20%, and emissions by 27%. - Standardized SKIDs and eHouses integrate power, UPS , batteries, and thermal management for rapid on-site installation. - BIM and digital twins optimize design and monitoring, targeting AI-driven EMEA/APAC markets with scalable, sustainable infrastructure. - Modular designs reduce concrete waste and enable compact power enclosures, aligning with global decarboniza

Bitget-RWA•2025/11/20 12:26

Modular Data Centers Address the Challenge of Balancing AI Performance and Environmental Responsibility

Ethereum Updates: Unknown Wallet Drains $15M in ETH While London Launches Crypto ETPs

- A mystery Ethereum wallet withdrew $15.5M worth ETH from Binance, coinciding with London's new crypto ETP listings. - 21Shares launched Ethereum/Bitcoin ETPs on LSE, offering institutional exposure to staking rewards and crypto holdings. - The withdrawal timing suggests potential capital deployment into newly approved ETPs requiring custodied crypto assets. - UK regulators approved these products, signaling growing institutional adoption of crypto-backed securities with traditional infrastructure.

Bitget-RWA•2025/11/20 12:10

Ethereum Updates: Unknown Wallet Drains $15M in ETH While London Launches Crypto ETPs

Bitcoin News Update: Bitcoin Remains Steady While Altcoins Plunge Amid Market Sell-Off

- Bitcoin stabilizes near $93,555 amid market turmoil while altcoins hit multi-month lows due to $801M in 24-hour liquidations. - A 13-year dormant Satoshi-era wallet triggering 2% price drop and fear index hitting 14/100 heightens bearish concerns. - Cboe's perpetual-style crypto futures and global stimulus packages may reshape liquidity as Bitcoin tests $100,000 threshold. - Galaxy Digital notes algorithmic deleveraging rather than systemic weakness, with $3B in DeFi borrows signaling structural shifts.

Bitget-RWA•2025/11/20 11:52