Kennewick Man

Pacific Northwest prehistoric human

Also known as: Ancient One

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July 19, 2026

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Kennewick Man refers to human skeletal remains discovered in Kennewick, Washington, in 1996. These remains are approximately 9,400 years old, predating many other known human remains in the region. The discovery sparked a significant debate regarding the origins of the first peoples in the Americas and the application of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).12

Scientists noted that the skull's shape suggested a possible European origin, challenging the prevailing theory of Asian descent for early Americans. This led to competing claims over the remains by Native American tribes and scientists. Ultimately, a court ruled that the remains were too old and culturally ambiguous to be classified as Native American under NAGPRA, allowing for further scientific study. This decision was met with strong opposition from Native American communities who believe the remains are those of their ancestors.12

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Native American
Repatriation and the disposition of the dead
Subsequently known as Kennewick Man (among scientists) or the Ancient One (among repatriation activists), this person most probably lived sometime between about 9,000 and 9,500 years ago, certainly before 5,600–6,000 years ago. A number of tribes and a number of scientists laid competing claims to the remains. Their…
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Subsequently known as Kennewick Man (among scientists) or the Ancient One (among repatriation activists), this person most probably lived sometime between about 9,000 and 9,500 years ago, certainly before 5,600–6,000 years ago. A number of tribes and a number of scientists laid competing claims to the remains. Their…
Read More

Washington
Native Americans and early European explorers
…is known to scientists as Kennewick Man and to Native Americans as the Ancient One. The relationship of Kennewick Man to existing Native American groups is a source of controversy.
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…is known to scientists as Kennewick Man and to Native Americans as the Ancient One. The relationship of Kennewick Man to existing Native American groups is a source of controversy.
Read More