Almost two decades after the skeleton of the Kennewick Man was unearthed from the bank of the Columbia River in Washington, a book discussing its life and scientific contributions is about to share its story.
Kennewick Man got his name from Kennewick, Wash., where the remains were found in 1996. Scientists confirmed that it was one of the most complete prehistoric skeletons which feature characteristics similar to the Native Americans.
The book, "Kennewick Man: The Scientific Investigation of an Ancient American Skeleton," is co-edited by Smithsonian Institution forensic expert Douglas Owsley and Richard Jantz of the University of Tennessee. The book will be published by the Texas University A&M University Press
"The human skeleton teaches us a wealth of information about human population dynamics across time," Owsley told Smithsonian Science. "Kennewick Man has become a teacher for all ages, acting as an informative ambassador to the ancient past in North America."
The researchers worked with several scientists in the analysis of the 300 bones and fragments of the relic believed to be as old as 9,500 years. The study revealed that the Kennewick Man stood 5-foot-7 and weighed 163 pounds. His body showed a fulll frame which enabled him to navigate the steppe-like surroundings of North America during that time, when people hunted and fished for survival.
Scientists believed that the Kennewick Man might have hunted deer, fish, and other marine animals using a spear. His hand structure showed that he was righthanded and mostly used flint to start a fire.
The researchers also noted two major bone injuries; one was a broken rib due to blunt force, while the other was an injury inflicted by a spear. The team estimated that the Kennewick Man might have died during his 40s but failed to determine his cause of death.
