Archaeologists have uncovered an astonishingly well-preserved hunter’s toolkit in the San Esteban Rockshelter near Marfa, Texas, dating back over 6,000 years. The find includes parts of stone-tipped darts, a boomerang, hardwood foreshafts, and a partial atlatl—potentially the oldest complete weapon system ever found in North America.

Researchers believe an ancient hunter once stopped inside the cave to repair tools, leaving behind everyday items that remained untouched for millennia. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants of the Big Bend region, shedding light on their survival, environment, and possibly even spiritual beliefs.