Abstract

Four study hypotheses about spatial patterns in the archaeological site distribution on Aston Bay, Somerset Island, NWT are presented. These identify variables assumed to have affected site location choice made by early Arctic small tool tradition, Dorset Culture and Thule culture groups. The study indicates differences in spatial behaviour among the three prehistoric groups, adding to understanding of changing adaptation to the Arctic environment through time. The study also yields the conclusions that a regional approach coupled with systematic data collection and quantitative analysis reveals subtle variability in the Arctic archaeological record, and that anthropology provides the explanatory theory for interpretation of prehistoric spatial behaviour.