Pesse canoe
| Pesse canoe | |
|---|---|
| File:Pesse canoe.jpg The Pesse canoe on display at the Drents Museum | |
| Material | Wood |
| Created | Mesolithic period |
| Discovered | 1955 |
| Present location | Drents Museum, Assen, Netherlands |
The Pesse canoe is the world's oldest known boat, dating back to the early Mesolithic period. It was discovered in the Netherlands and is currently housed in the Drents Museum in Assen. The canoe is a significant archaeological find, providing insight into early human transportation and technology.
Discovery[edit | edit source]
The Pesse canoe was discovered in 1955 during the construction of the Dutch A28 motorway near the village of Pesse in the province of Drenthe. The canoe was found in a peat bog, which helped preserve the wooden structure over thousands of years.
Description[edit | edit source]
The canoe is made from a single log of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and measures approximately 298 cm in length and 44 cm in width. The interior was hollowed out using primitive tools, likely made of stone or bone, which were typical of the Mesolithic period.
Dating[edit | edit source]
Radiocarbon dating of the wood has placed the canoe's construction between 8040 BCE and 7510 BCE. This makes it the oldest known watercraft, predating other ancient boats such as the Dugout canoes found in Denmark and the Dover Bronze Age Boat.
Significance[edit | edit source]
The Pesse canoe provides valuable information about the technological capabilities of Mesolithic humans. It demonstrates the use of watercraft for transportation, fishing, and possibly trade. The canoe's construction reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of early humans in utilizing available natural resources.
Controversy[edit | edit source]
There has been some debate among archaeologists regarding whether the Pesse canoe was indeed used as a boat. Some have suggested it might have been a trough or container. However, experimental archaeology has shown that a similar replica of the canoe is capable of floating and carrying a person, supporting the theory that it was used as a watercraft.
Preservation[edit | edit source]
The canoe is preserved in a controlled environment at the Drents Museum to prevent further degradation. The museum provides educational displays and information about the canoe's history and significance.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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