Paleolithic Site in Algeria Yields Million-Year-Old Elephant Tusk

An archaeological expedition at the Tighenif Paleolithic site in Algeria has yielded a remarkable discovery: a well-preserved elephant tusk. Researchers from the National Centre for Prehistoric, Anthropological, and Historical Research (CNRPAH) in Algiers unearthed the artifact during the eleventh excavation campaign.

The tusk is attributed to the "Atlas elephant," an extinct species that once roamed North Africa. Preliminary dating places it in the Lower and Middle Pleistocene epochs, approximately one million years ago. The find is considered one of the most significant of the ongoing scientific mission, according to researcher Mohamed Sahnouni.

Measuring an impressive 2.35 meters in length, the tusk is in a near-intact structural state, making it one of the most complete specimens ever found in the region. It was discovered within a sedimentary layer alongside other fossils of large mammals and Acheulean-tradition lithic tools, offering valuable insights into the prehistoric environment and fauna.

The tusk will be transferred to CNRPAH laboratories in Algiers for specialized analysis and restoration. These studies aim to provide a deeper understanding of its preservation and scientific significance. The excavations, led by Mohamed Sahnouni, are scheduled to continue until June 23, involving researchers and archaeology students from various Algerian universities.

“

This discovery was made as part of the eleventh excavation campaign currently underway, and I qualify it as one of the most important of this scientific mission.