Ancient Indian canoe unearthed in North Louisiana

Archaeologists have unearthed a large, prehistoric Indian canoe along the Red River in north Louisiana.

A team of volunteers led by two archaeologists are preparing the indian dug-out canoe for transportation 
to a Texas university for restoration [Credit: KTBS-TV]

KTBS-TV reports one archaeologist says the almost 34-foot-long dugout canoe is in very good condition, even though one side is missing. Officials say it weighs an estimated 1,000 pounds and could be one of the largest ever found intact in North America.

It was found earlier this spring by a woman looking for artifacts along the river's banks. Excavation, which was conducted near Belcher in Caddo Parish, was completed Wednesday.

The Native American dugout canoe discovered along the banks of the Red River in north Caddo Parish 
[Credit: KTBS-TV]

The canoe will be taken to Texas A&M University, where preservation efforts could take up to two years.

The canoe is believed to be 800 to 1,000 years old and believed used by Caddo Indians who settled along the Red River and its tributaries.

Source: Associated Press [June 24, 2017]