At New Mexico's Holloman Air Force Base, members of the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron recently made a remarkable discovery: an 8,200-year-old archaeological site nestled within the base's boundaries. Buried beneath nearby white sand dunes, this site offered a window into the ancient past of the region, yielding approximately 70 artifacts that shed light on the lifestyles of New Mexico's early inhabitants.
Among the findings were flake stones and a rare example of early ground stone, offering valuable insights into past human activities. Additionally, the excavation uncovered a series of hearths containing remnants of mesquite charcoal, a significant discovery in itself, providing clues to the Paleo-Archaic communities' subsistence strategies.
The term "Paleo-Archaic" denotes the transitional phase when human communities in the area shifted from specialized hunting and gathering to broader agricultural practices. Such intact sites from this period are rare due to the erosive nature of desert environments, making the preservation of Gomolak Overlook particularly significant.
Named in honor of the former cultural resources manager, J.R. Gomolak, the site adds to the more than 400 archaeological sites within the base's confines. Scott Dorton, the 49th CES Environmental Chief, highlighted the unintentional but crucial role of the Department of Defense in safeguarding these archaeological treasures, emphasizing the importance of stewardship in protecting these invaluable resources for future generations.
