DUNGENESS — A mystery started by the discovery Tuesday of a human jawbone was quickly solved by detectives who determined that it came from someone who died many years ago — possibly an early Peninsula resident.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Snover said wear on a molar still in the jawbone indicates that the person probably used his teeth to break open shellfish.
Snover also said the jawbone was extremely brittle, another indication of age.
Snover said the finding will be examined by an anthropologist to verify his belief.
If the jawbone is determined to be from an American Indian, it will be turned over to one of the Peninsula’s tribes.
“We’re always very concerned that our ancestors continue to have their rest and peace,” said Kathleen Duncan, cultural resource technician with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.
The mystery started shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday when Carl Obermeit returned to his vehicle from a crabbing trip at Dungeness Bay.
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