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2024.16.3

Splinter of desiccated wood.

2024.16.3

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Collection type
Object
Description
Splinter of desiccated wood.
Long description
Splinter of desiccated wood, lit for ceremonial purposes such as the Winter Solstice. One end of the splinter has been burnt.
Geographical reference
Canada
Northern America > North America > Canada
Person
Field collector Norman Hallendy
PRM source The Estate of Norman Hallendy
Date / Period
Archaeological period: Middle Eocene
Acquisition information
Donated: 03/07/2024
Materials and processes
Material Wood Plant, Process Dried
Dimensions
Length x Width: max 60 x 5 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 2024.16.3
Research and responses

Notes provided by the donor Norman Hallendy: This would probably be one of the oldest artefacts in your collection. It comes from the time 40 million years ago when the Arctic was covered in trees (believed to be Dawn redwoods - Metasequoia - and a species which is now extinct - Pseudolarix) and a time when giant fauna dwelled there. The wood is not petrified, it is desiccated. The smaller slivers of wood could be lit for ceremonial purposes, such as the Winter Solstice. What you are looking at in the moment of burning is the energy from the Sun captured in that wood from 40 million years ago.

Search terms: Specimen, Plant

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