The Clovis people, ancient ancestors of Native Americans, primarily consumed mammoths and other large animals during the last ice age, according to a study published in Science Advances. Researchers analyzed the isotopic signatures from the remains of an 18-month-old child buried about 13,000 years ago near Wilsall, Montana. The findings reveal that the child's mother derived 35% of her diet from mammoths, supplemented by elk, bison, and camels, while small mammals and plants played a minimal role in her nutrition.
This direct evidence, obtained through stable isotope analysis, challenges previous debates about the Clovis diet. While some argued they relied on a varied diet, this study confirms that large animals, especially mammoths, were central to their sustenance. Co-lead author James Chatters highlighted how the discovery humanizes the Clovis people, shifting perceptions from mere artifacts to relatable individuals.
A woolly mammoth model is seen during installation at the American Museum of Natural History in October 2023. Bebeto Matthews/AP
The Clovis people used advanced tools, such as Clovis points, to hunt these massive creatures. Their diet and migratory patterns may explain their rapid spread across the Americas. However, their reliance on hunting mammoths might have contributed to the species' extinction, particularly during critical climate shifts.
Shane Doyle of Yellowstone Peoples underscored the resilience and skill of the Clovis people, labeling them as some of the most resourceful humans in history. This groundbreaking research not only illuminates their diet but also offers insights into human impacts on ancient ecosystems.
