The Archaeologist

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Mysterious Origins of Patagonia's Native People (Yahgan)

Tierra del Fuego, an archipelago at the foot of Argentina and Chile, is home to one of the most distinct indigenous people in terms of culture and customs.

The history and ancestry of these people, who lived only 600 miles from the nearest point on Antarctica, may be even more mysterious and significant in the history of humanity. The Yagen tribe, who were famous for their complete disregard for the cold weather, lived in the region completely naked despite having fires and small doed shelters. Recently, a researcher claimed that their average body temperature was at least 1 degree higher than that of a European, providing them with cold resistance.

Patagonia, the southern tip of South America, is a vast region that encompasses over 400,000 square miles of Chile and Argentina. Scholars believe that people have lived in Patagonia since the end of the last ice age approximately 12,000 years ago.

The Eastern side of Patagonia is mostly within Argentina's borders and is made up of deciduous forests and open grassland steps bordered by the Atlantic Ocean whereas the Far Western side is made up of dense Evergreen forests including stands of the endangered monkey puzzle.

Archaeologists are now uncovering an intriguing story about the skills, adaptations, and resources required for people to survive there, as the Patagonia region is known for its harsh landscapes, strong winds, and extreme weather.