An Edmonton couple, Jennifer Yeoman and Hector Lomack, made a fascinating discovery in their yard last year while landscaping. They found a large black rock that turned out to be a 4.6-pound chunk of obsidian core, a type of volcanic glass. This discovery is significant as obsidian is not commonly found in Alberta due to the lack of volcanoes in the area. The couple took their find to the Royal Alberta Museum, where the archaeology team examined it for further insights.
The Royal Alberta Museum’s archaeology team determined that the obsidian core showed signs of being human-made, likely shaped by pre-contact people to create tools such as arrowheads. By analyzing the specific characteristics of the obsidian, they were able to trace its origin back to a volcano in southern Idaho. This information offers a glimpse into Indigenous trade networks and raw material preferences in the region. The discovery opens up the possibility of the couple’s yard being a potential tool-making center for Indigenous peoples in the past.
Further investigation was needed to confirm the authenticity of the obsidian core as a true artifact. The museum reached out to their social media community for additional input, receiving responses that suggested the piece could be a replica made by a flintknapper or student. The RAM archaeology team plans to return to Yeoman’s yard to conduct further excavations and potentially turn it into an official archaeological site. This process will involve digging up the area to search for more clues that could shed light on the obsidian core’s origins and purpose.
The couple’s discovery has reignited Yeoman’s childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist, which she had put aside to focus on raising her children. Being part of this archaeological investigation allows her to participate in a real-life adventure and potentially uncover more hidden history in her own backyard. The RAM archaeology team emphasizes the importance of leaving artifacts in their original location if discovered, taking photos, marking the spot, and contacting the museum for further guidance. Building community relationships is essential for reconstructing the past and understanding the significance of archaeological finds like the obsidian core.
Overall, the discovery of the obsidian core in the Edmonton couple’s yard represents a significant archaeological find that could provide valuable insights into Indigenous tool making and trade networks in the region. By tracing the obsidian’s origin to a specific volcano in Idaho, researchers have started to piece together the story behind this unique artifact. The ongoing investigation, with the involvement of the Royal Alberta Museum’s archaeology team and the local community, aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding the obsidian core and potentially uncover more historical treasures in the area. This unexpected discovery highlights the importance of preserving and studying artifacts to better understand the rich history of the land we inhabit.
