A Yup’ik community near the Bering Sea in southwest Alaska was spared the widespread devastation that other communities experienced from the remnants of Typhoon Halong earlier this month. However, it faced a different kind of blow: the lashing winds and storm surge devoured dozens of feet of shoreline, severely disrupting a culturally significant archaeological site.
The powerful storm washed away possibly thousands of unearthed artifacts, causing significant loss to the area’s rich historical heritage. Following the storm, about 1,000 pieces—including wooden masks and tools—were recovered in Quinhagak.
Archaeologist Rick Knecht estimates that many more artifacts remain scattered across the shoreline, with numbers possibly reaching up to 100,000. Unfortunately, freezing temperatures and ice have now settled into the region, stalling immediate efforts to recover additional artifacts.
Efforts to preserve and protect this invaluable cultural heritage will likely resume once conditions improve, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities impacted by severe weather events and environmental changes.
https://www.chron.com/news/article/archaeological-site-in-alaska-that-casts-light-on-21128092.php