First Face of America FULL SPECIAL | NOVA | PBS America

Recent questions

• Who is Naia and why is she significant?

  Naia is one of the oldest human skeletons in the Americas, dating back almost 13,000 years. Her discovery in a Mexican cave system provides crucial information about the early inhabitants of the Americas, shedding light on their lives and origins. Naia lived at a time when the Americas were the only habitable continents not yet settled by humans, making her a pivotal figure in understanding the history of the region.

• What insights does Naia's skeleton offer about early Americans?

  Naia's skeleton, along with five others older than 12,000 years, provides valuable insights into the early inhabitants of the Americas. The discovery of Naia's remains promises to offer a wealth of information about the first Americans, offering a glimpse into their lives and origins. By examining Naia's bones, scientists can better understand the lifestyle and physical characteristics of the earliest inhabitants of the Americas.

• How did scientists retrieve Naia's skull from the cave system?

  Scientists faced the challenging yet crucial task of organizing a dive to retrieve Naia's fragile bones from the cave system. Susan Bird was tasked with retrieving Naia's skull and bringing her to the surface. The operation involved rehearsing with plaster casts of the bones, setting up underwater lights and cabling in the cave, and documenting the entire process through photography and filming. Despite the tension and stress, Naia's skull was successfully retrieved after 13,000 years in the water.

• What do the stone blades and spear points found with Naia suggest?

  The stone blades and spear points found with Naia indicate the presence of an immigrant population from Siberia in the Americas. These artifacts suggest a connection to Asian predecessors, as the tools of the Beringians differ from the Clovis culture spear points found in North America. The discovery of these artifacts provides insight into the early migration patterns and cultural practices of the first inhabitants of the Americas.

• How does Naia's physique and bone analysis contribute to our understanding of early Americans?

  Examination of Naia's physique suggests a nomadic lifestyle, while signs of violence found on her bones offer clues to her life. Additionally, bone density variations and malnourishment indicate that Naia, part of the southward migration, was not well adapted to her environment. By analyzing Naia's bones, scientists can gain a better understanding of the physical characteristics, health, and lifestyle of the earliest inhabitants of the Americas, providing valuable insights into their history and origins.