COLUMBIAN MAMMOTH  bronze 25’’ x 33’’ x 16’’ Monumental bronze 20’ x 25’x 16’ photo credit: David Huber

The Columbian Mammoth is the representative symbol for the Washakie Museum and Cultural Center in Worland, Wyoming.  The Colby Mammoth Kill Site near Worland provided evidence of Paleo-Indian hunters.  Clovis projectile points were recovered along with various stone fragments and tools.  Dr. George C. Frison from the University of Wyoming believes the Paleo-Indian hunters maneuvered the mammoths into areas, such as arroyos or gullies, where they could be safely harvested.  The remains of seven mammoths were excavated at the Colby Site.  Animals were butchered and stacked in meat caches or piles to be used at a later time.  The caches remained unopened until Dr. Frison opened them in 1973.  The site provides us with a unique glimpse into the lives of some of Wyoming’s earliest hunters and gatherers. I am amazed at early Wyoming men taking these animals down with a sharp rock on the end of a stick. Man, they had to be tough!