A volunteer diver in Lake Poyang, Wisconsin, USA, discovered an ancient wooden canoe dating back approximately a thousand years, crafted from a white oak tree trunk. This discovery sheds light on boat-building techniques and water transportation methods used by communities that once inhabited the region.
Discovery Details and Dating
The diving and marine exploration website Divernet reported two days ago that radiocarbon dating results indicate the canoe dates between 992 and 1049 AD. Specialists are currently studying its characteristics and manufacturing traces to document and preserve it. The canoe measures approximately 5.3 meters in length and 55 centimeters in width at its widest point.
Wood Inspection and Techniques
The volunteer diver, Mark Schachter, found the canoe in early May at a depth of approximately 4.5 meters below the lake's surface. He subsequently collaborated with marine archaeologist Tamara Thomsen to document the find and take a wood sample for necessary testing. The inspection revealed signs of burning and scraping on the wood, which may help researchers understand the techniques used by indigenous people in boat construction.
Conservation Decision and Usage
Archaeologists believe the canoe was used for fishing or transporting people and supplies. Another proposed explanation is that it was deliberately sunk to preserve it underwater. Specialists have decided to leave the canoe on the lakebed, in consultation with representatives of indigenous communities, to aid in its preservation. The ancient wood may suffer damage if removed from the water without undergoing specialized conservation procedures.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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