I can only imagine what it would be like to be an archaeologist and unearthing a major discovery that changes the way we look at our history. Because that’s what happened during a dig in Wisconsin at the First Nation’s Menominee Reservation. What they found was a small clay pot. Okay, maybe I wouldn’t be reaching for a bottle of celebratory champagne just yet, but as they say “it’s what’s inside that counts.” And what was inside was something that could change the way look at agriculture and extinction. The discovery? Read on and find out…
This tiny clay pot was excavated in Wisconsin in the Menominee Reservation. It’s been buried for the last 800 years!
And what’s inside? Seeds! They were likely buried inside the pot to store food. And what were the seeds for? An extinct species of squash!
Seven years after the discovery, students in Winnipeg planted some of the 800-year-old seeds… and amazingly, something grew!
They named the squash Gete-okosomin, which translates to “big old squash.”
The squash is now being cultivated to prevent it from becoming extinct a second time.
Look at this glorious beast! I know it may be “just a squash” but it’s an incredible look into human history!
Source: Imgur
