Decoder Ring How to Hunt a Mammoth, and Other Experiments in Archaeology
Aug 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guests Sam Kean, a science writer and author of 'Dinner with King Tut', archaeologist Karen Harry, and Native Hawaiian advocate Nāʻālehu Anthony share their insights into experimental archaeology. They delve into recreating ancient practices to uncover lost knowledge, including the exciting story of hunting mammoths and unique pottery techniques. Nāʻālehu discusses the revival of Polynesian navigational skills, intertwining culture with adventure. Discover how these experiments enrich our understanding of history!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Elephant Experiment Rewrote Mammoth Hunting
- The Ginsburg elephant experiment let archaeologists test hunting and butchery methods on a real carcass to answer questions extinct mammoths couldn't provide.
- It showed killing mammoths was difficult and rare, reshaping ideas about paleo-Indian subsistence.
How A Headless Elephant Reached The Lab
- Susan Kaplan convinced the Boston Zoo to donate Ginsburg the elephant carcass to the Smithsonian for experiments.
- Scientists transported the frozen elephant to Virginia and prepared replica stone tools to test on it.
Measuring What Stone Tools Could Do
- Researchers instrumented tools and measured forces to see what penetrated hide, muscle, and tendons and how blades dull or break.
- These controlled tests produced publishable data and integrated experimentation into mainstream archaeology.
