Oregon Caves Unearth Oldest Sewn Hide: Revolutionary Insights into Ice Age Clothing and Early Human Ingenuity

Groundbreaking research from Oregon's Cougar Mountain Cave and Paisley Caves has revealed the oldest known piece of sewn hide along with ancient needles and braided cordage. These artifacts, some initially collected by amateur archaeologist John Cowles in 1958 and later housed at the Favell Museum, have been re-examined using modern scientific methods. Published in *Science Advances*, the findings dramatically rewrite our understanding of early human technological sophistication, demonstrating an advanced capacity for tailoring and garment production among North America's first inhabitants. This sophisticated clothing technology was crucial for survival in the harsh climates of the last Ice Age, enabling expansion and adaptation. The discovery highlights the importance of preserving historical collections and the ongoing evolution of archaeological science in uncovering humanity's remarkable past.