12,000-Year-Old Stitched Elk Hide Found in Oregon Cave

A 12,000-year-old stitched piece of elk hide has been discovered in a cave in Oregon, which may be the world's oldest known clothing. The fragment, found in Cougar Mountain Cave, consists of two small pieces joined together with twisted plant fibre cordage and is clearly sewn, not naturally joined or damaged.

The discovery is significant not only because of its age but also due to the implications it has on our understanding of early human life in the region. The stitched material suggests deliberate crafting, with the hide likely processed, cleaned, and prepared before being worked on, implying knowledge of material handling.

Bone needles found in nearby layers add another dimension to the story, with some finely shaped and showing clear signs of repeated use or careful production, suggesting a developed technique for working with soft, flexible materials like hide and fibre.

The finding is part of a larger pattern of discoveries in Oregon's archaeological record, which continues to surprise researchers and expand our understanding of early human life in the region. The court will resume hearing on the implications of these findings, with experts set to further analyze the discovery and its significance.