Bluefish Caves
Late Pleistocene (24,000 – 12,000 BP)·Beringian Paleo-Indian·🇨🇦 Yukon, Canada
About
About Bluefish Caves
Bluefish Caves in Yukon, Canada is a Late Pleistocene (24,000 – 12,000 BP) cave attributed to Beringian Paleo-Indian culture. Three caves excavated 1977–87 by Cinq-Mars; cut-marked horse bones re-dated 24 ka (Bourgeon 2017). Central to Beringian standstill debate. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built Natural – occupation 24,000–12,000 BP; purpose: Seasonal hunting stand and lithic workshop. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 250 m elevation.
Why it mattersThree caves excavated 1977–87 by Cinq-Mars; cut-marked horse bones re-dated 24 ka (Bourgeon 2017). Central to Beringian standstill debate.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Bluefish Caves
- 02Function and labor organization for cave – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Beringian Paleo-Indian
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Natural – occupation 24,000–12,000 BP
- Period
- Late Pleistocene (24,000 – 12,000 BP)
- Culture
- Beringian Paleo-Indian
- Builders
- Paleolithic hunter-gatherers
- Purpose
- Seasonal hunting stand and lithic workshop
- Excavation
- Excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
67.1500° N · 140.5830° W · 250 m · 3 mapped features
Cave I Main Excavation
caveCave I 6x6 m trench with mammoth horizon
67.1501° N · 140.5829° WCave II Microblade Horizon
caveUpper loess Dyuktai microblades
67.1499° N · 140.5832° WBluefish River Overlook
landformRidge 250 m above river, hunting stand
67.1503° N · 140.5825° W