NOGAP Archaeology Project: An Integrated Archaeological Research and Management Approach

Occasional Paper No. 1 Cover

NOGAP Archaeology Project: An Integrated Archaeological Research and Management Approach

CAA Occasional Paper No. 1 • 1991

edited by Jacques Cinq-Mars and Jean-Luc Pilon

Book Chapters

The NOGAP Archaeology Project: A Brief Introduction
Jacques Cinq-Mars, Jean-Luc Pilon
Abstract
The analysis of 12 faunal samples collected in the southwest Anderson Plain demonstrates a clear dependence on caribou as a primary dietary mainstay in late prehistoric times. The secondary focus shifted seasonally between snowshoe hare, fish and waterfowl. This analysis has also identified a number of bone disposal techniques which included burning in the domestic fire, gathering and burial, and possibly disposing of the bones of certain species in a nearby lake or stream.
Abstract
Helicopter and foot surveys carried out in 1985 and 1987 by the NOGAP-Archaeology Project, covered most of the southern coast of Devon Island. The 269sites recorded represent all known periods of prehistoric and historic occupation of the High Arctic. Analysis of the distribution of components suggests that coastal locations close to the mouths of bays and fiords were favoured by most prehistoric occupants of the area. Palaeo-Eskimo occupations appear to have been more heavily concentrated in the western portions of the coast, and Dorset occupations were particularly associated with the inner coasts of the large bays of southwestern Devon Island. Neo-Eskimo occupations were more evenly distributed throughout the survey area. It is postulated that these distributions can be best explained in terms of access to different sea ice environments and the sea mammals associated with these environments.
Accelerator Radiocarbon Dates from the NOGAP Archaeology Project
John S. Vogel, Thomas A. Brown, John R. Southon, Erle Nelson
Abstract
The technique of accelerator mass spectrometry was used to provide radiocarbon ages for 31 bone, antler and wood samples. The samples were sufficiently large (0.25 - 2g) and well-preserved that routine preparative procedures could be used. We encountered no unusual problems, and so we are confident that the results obtained are reliable.
Appendix I: NOGAP AMS Dates
Compiled By Jacques Cinq-Mars
Abstract
A reanalysis of collections from the Trout Lake area of the northern Yukon challenges the integrity of what has become known as the type site of the British Mountain culture. The main Trout Lake site (NfVi-10) is seen as a mixed, multi-component deposit and its so-called British Mountain component is interpreted as lithic workshop debris. The collections from both NfVi-10 and the Northeast site (Ne Vi-9), the other main so-called British Mountain site in the Trout Lake area, feature artifacts assignable to a number of different prehistoric cultures; the most easily recognizable of these are local variants of the Denbigh, Choris and Norton western Palaeo-Eskimo cultures.
Appendix II: NOGAP Bibliography
Compiled By R.Jane Dale, Jean-Luc Pilon
Engigstciak Revisited: A Note on Early Holocene AMS Dates from the 'Buffalo Pit'
Jacques Cinq-Mars, Richard Harington, Erle Nelson, Richard S. MacNeish
Abstract
Three (accelerator mass spectrometry - AMS) 14C dates on butchered bison bones, together with other available lines of evidence from the lower stratigraphic units of the 'Buffalo Pit ', at Engigstciak, on the Firth River, northern Yukon, converge to support the notion that a form of bison procurement was being implemented by hunters along portions of the Yukon Coastal Plain between 9 800 and 9 400 B.P., i.e., in early Holocene times. These data allow us to stress the importance of the site in our understanding of cultural history in this region and to contemplate the possibility of investigating further poorly known aspects of cultural adaptive systems in a northwestern Arctic environment shortly after the end of the late glacial.
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a technological analysis of bone and antler remains from the Trail River site, in the northern Yukon. The site was notable for the heavy concentration of by-products associated with the manufacture of antler artifacts. There was also some evidence for the production of bone tools. The analysis was undertaken to determine the function of the feature where the bone and antler assemblage was found. Recognition of two types of gear was substantiated by the analysis of manufacturing techniques performed on the associated by-products. Personal gear (e.g. arrowheads, knife handles), made from antler, was manufactured with considerable effort and skill. These tools would have been prepared in anticipation of future caribou hunting. Situational gear (e.g. awls, scrapers), made from bone obtained on site, was manufactured expediently and intended for immediate use.
Abstract
By incorporating air photo and surficial geology map interpretations, terrain units are defined. Landscape units combine terrain units and other physical parameters, such as drainage, presence of permafrost, etc., which are thought to affect archaeological potential. Finally, landscape categories based on geomorphology in conjunction with position or geographic location allow for an effective means of classifying the archaeological potential of large areas of landscape.
Abstract
This paper deals with the results of archaeological investigations which have shed new light on the prehistory of the Mackenzie Delta Region of the Northwest Territories. In particular, test excavations were conducted at several sites, among them a microblade and burin site (NkTj-1) situated on a late Pleistocene palaeo-channel on the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, and two Arctic Small Tool tradition (ASTt) sites located in a dense cluster of 34 sites on the Old Horton River Channel on the Cape Bathurst Peninsula. The assemblage from NkTj-1 is thought to represent a Northwest Microblade tradition component, although there may be evidence of potentially earlier material. Of the two ASTt sites, one (ObRv-1) is clearly related to a distinctive, late ASTt variant found at the Lagoon site (OjRl-3) on Banks Island. The other ASTt site (ObRw-11) has materials which suggest an early Palaeo-Eskimo, Independence I-like occupation. Finally, the location of many of the sites on the Old Horton River Channel is situated in a region where a glassy and vesicular fused rock is being produced by spontaneous combustion of organic-rich mudstones. This material was being exploited for tool production by Palaeo-Eskimo, and possibly other cultures in the region.
Archaeological Field Training in the NOGAP Area
Charles D. Arnold, Christopher C. Hanks
Abstract
Northern Native people have a long-standing interest in their archaeological heritage, but seldom have had opportunities to participate in archaeological studies. The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre received NOGAP funding in 1985 and 1986 to help resolve that problem by preparing and providing archaeological field training programs in the hydrocarbon development area. We have found that the key to effective training for people who lack an academic background is to make archaeology relevant. This paper summarizes our approach to archaeological field training, and identifies other ways that Native people can participate in archaeological studies. Benefits which archaeological projects can derive from participation by Native peoples are also discussed.
Abstract
Archaeological excavation and ethnohistorical tradition together indicate the existence of a previously unrecognized Mackenzie Inuit group, living in the Franklin Bay area east of Cape Bathurst into the early historic period. They appear to have been decimated by disease and starvation in the early nineteenth century, with survivors fleeing west to Baillie Island. Further east yet, the Amundsen Gulf coast as far as Dolphin and Union Strait was apparently unoccupied during the late prehistoric period, for reasons which remain unknown. Previously, however, it was occupied by a Thule culture population which was very similar to that of the western Coronation Gulf area. This 'Clachan phase' of Thule culture was probably at least in part ancestral to both the Mackenzie and Copper Inuit.
Abstract
During the first four years of the NOGAP Archaeology Project, 104 new archaeological sites were found in the southwest Anderson Plain. These sites are generally characterized by thin lithic scatters comprised mainly of undiagnostic debitage. In spite of the frustrating nature of the region's archaeology, elements of a local culture-history are emerging. Many of the sites attest to the Late Prehistoric Gwich'in occupation of the region. Earlier cultural remains have been found which relate to the use of the area by the Arctic Small Tool tradition, and a second, non-ASTt, microblade manufacturing group. Although external relationships can be drawn, at present, it appears more fruitful to identify and define local culture-historical parameters.