Pre-Columbian Pre-Columbian Archaeology of North Archaeology of North

AmericaAmerica

Weeks 6:Weeks 6:

Regional Chronologies – Regional Chronologies –

The Arctic and Sub-arcticThe Arctic and Sub-arctic

Regional DivisionsRegional Divisions

► In the study of aboriginal peoples in In the study of aboriginal peoples in North America, both ethnographic and North America, both ethnographic and archaeological, the continent is archaeological, the continent is generally divided into a number of generally divided into a number of regionsregions

►These will for the basis for our These will for the basis for our discussions of regional chronologiesdiscussions of regional chronologies

►The focus will here will be on the The focus will here will be on the HoloceneHolocene

Regional Characteristics (1)Regional Characteristics (1)

► ArcticArctic Stretching from western Alaska across the entire continent Stretching from western Alaska across the entire continent

to Greenlandto Greenland Area north of the tree lineArea north of the tree line Classic tundra conditions during the Holocene.Classic tundra conditions during the Holocene.

►Cold, desert-like conditions. Cold, desert-like conditions. ►Growing season ranges from 50 to 60 days. Growing season ranges from 50 to 60 days. ►Average winter temperature is -34° CAverage winter temperature is -34° C►Average summer temperature is 3-12° C Average summer temperature is 3-12° C ►Yearly precipitation, including melting snow, is 1525 cm Yearly precipitation, including melting snow, is 1525 cm

FloraFlora► Low shrubs, sedges (Cyperaceae), reindeer moss Low shrubs, sedges (Cyperaceae), reindeer moss (Cladonia (Cladonia

rangiferarangifera)),, liverworts (Hepaticae), and grasses liverworts (Hepaticae), and grasses ► 400 varieties of flowers 400 varieties of flowers ► crustose and foliose lichen crustose and foliose lichen

Vegetational Zones of North Vegetational Zones of North AmericaAmerica

Tundra (Alaska National Wildlife Refuge)Tundra (Alaska National Wildlife Refuge)

Coastal tundraCoastal tundra

Arctic Fauna: Terrestrial Arctic Fauna: Terrestrial MammalsMammals

►Terrestrial herbivores:Terrestrial herbivores: Caribou (Caribou (Rangifer tarandusRangifer tarandus) [sob]) [sob] Musk oxen (Musk oxen (Ovibus moschatusOvibus moschatus) [pižmoň]) [pižmoň] Arctic hare Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus)(Lepus arcticus) [zajíc polární] [zajíc polární] Lemming (Lemming (Synaptomys spp.Synaptomys spp.) [lumík]) [lumík]

►Terrestrial carnivoresTerrestrial carnivores Wolf (Wolf (Canis lupusCanis lupus)) Arctic fox (Arctic fox (Alopex lagopusAlopex lagopus) [liška polární]) [liška polární]

Arctic Fauna: Marine Mammals Arctic Fauna: Marine Mammals (1)(1)

► Seals (true/eared)Seals (true/eared) Harp seal (Harp seal (Phoca groenlandicusPhoca groenlandicus) tuleň gronský) tuleň gronský

► Adult males grow to about 1.7 m and 130 kg; females are Adult males grow to about 1.7 m and 130 kg; females are smaller smaller

Ringed seal (Ringed seal (Phoca hispidaPhoca hispida) tuleň kroužkovaný) tuleň kroužkovaný► Adult ringed seals are 99-157 cm in length and weigh 45-107 kgAdult ringed seals are 99-157 cm in length and weigh 45-107 kg

Ribbon seal (Ribbon seal (Phoca fasciataPhoca fasciata) tuleň pruhovaný) tuleň pruhovaný► Adult ribbon seals average 155-165 cm in length and 70-80 kg in Adult ribbon seals average 155-165 cm in length and 70-80 kg in

weight weight Bearded seal (Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatusErignathus barbatus) tuleň vousatý) tuleň vousatý

► Adult seals are 2.1-2.5 m in length, and weigh about 200-360 kg Adult seals are 2.1-2.5 m in length, and weigh about 200-360 kg Walrus (Walrus (Odobenus rosmarusOdobenus rosmarus) mrož) mrož

► Atlantic walrus males average 3.0 m in length and weigh Atlantic walrus males average 3.0 m in length and weigh approximately 800-900 kg.  Pacific walrus males are somewhat approximately 800-900 kg.  Pacific walrus males are somewhat larger, averaging 3.2 m and approximately 1200 kg.  Females larger, averaging 3.2 m and approximately 1200 kg.  Females are generally smaller are generally smaller

Northern fur seal (Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinusCallorhinus ursinus) lachtan medvědí) lachtan medvědí► Adult male 2 m, 135-270 kg. Average adult female 1.3 m, 30-45 Adult male 2 m, 135-270 kg. Average adult female 1.3 m, 30-45

kg kg

Arctic Fauna: Marine Mammals Arctic Fauna: Marine Mammals (2)(2)

► Whales (toothed/baleen – ozubení/kosticovici)Whales (toothed/baleen – ozubení/kosticovici) Beluga (Beluga (Didelphinapterus leucasDidelphinapterus leucas) běluha) běluha

► Adults measure 3-4.6 m and weigh 1350-1500 kgAdults measure 3-4.6 m and weigh 1350-1500 kg Narwhal (Narwhal (Monodon monocerosMonodon monoceros) narval) narval

► Adults: 4-4.9 m, 900-1600 kg, tooth: 2-3 m in lengthAdults: 4-4.9 m, 900-1600 kg, tooth: 2-3 m in length Gray whale (Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustusEschrichtius robustus) plejtvákovec šedý) plejtvákovec šedý

► Adults are 13.8-15 m long and weigh about 33,000 kgAdults are 13.8-15 m long and weigh about 33,000 kg Northern right whale (Northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialisEubalaena glacialis) velryba biskajská) velryba biskajská

► Adults are 15-15.2 m long and weigh about 54,000 kgAdults are 15-15.2 m long and weigh about 54,000 kg Bowhead whale (Bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetusBalaena mysticetus) velryba gronská) velryba gronská

► Adults are 15-18.5 m long and weigh 72-91,000 kgAdults are 15-18.5 m long and weigh 72-91,000 kg► Polar bear (Polar bear (Ursus maritimusUrsus maritimus) medvěd lední) medvěd lední

Male polar bears grow two to three times the size of female Male polar bears grow two to three times the size of female polar bearspolar bears

Males weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg and are about Males weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg and are about 2.5-3 m long2.5-3 m long

Females about 150 to 250 kg and are about 2 to 2.5 m Females about 150 to 250 kg and are about 2 to 2.5 m

Physical AnthropologyPhysical AnthropologyGroupGroup Type Type

OOType AType A Type Type

BBType Type ABAB

Eskimo Eskimo (Alaska)(Alaska)

3838 4444 1313 1515

Indians Indians (USA)(USA)

7979 1616 44 11

NavajoNavajo 7373 2727 00 00

BlackfooBlackfoott

1717 8282 00 11

CzechCzech 3030 4444 1818 99

► Modern groups in the Modern groups in the Arctic form a group Arctic form a group distinct from the rest of distinct from the rest of the Americas’ aboriginal the Americas’ aboriginal inhabitantsinhabitants

► This can be seen in a This can be seen in a number of physiological number of physiological and linguistic areasand linguistic areas Eskimo-Aleut languages Eskimo-Aleut languages

are related to languages are related to languages spoken in eastern Siberia spoken in eastern Siberia and not to other and not to other languages of North languages of North AmericaAmerica

Blood type distribution Blood type distribution (see table)(see table)

Y-chromosome and Y-chromosome and mtDNA differencesmtDNA differences► 32 Y-chromosome 32 Y-chromosome

haplotypeshaplotypes► Appears to indicate Appears to indicate

relationship (Haplotype relationship (Haplotype 31) with groups in 31) with groups in central Siberiacentral Siberia

Genetic distance between human populations based on research Genetic distance between human populations based on research by Cavalii-Sforzaby Cavalii-Sforza

Figure 4. Distribution of haplogroup Figure 4. Distribution of haplogroup frequencies (frequencies (pie chartspie charts) among ) among Amerindian populations does not Amerindian populations does not correspond in any simple way to correspond in any simple way to language-group affiliations, language-group affiliations, suggesting that a tripartite model of suggesting that a tripartite model of migration to the New World (based migration to the New World (based on three hypothesized language on three hypothesized language groups) may be too simple. groups) may be too simple. However, virtually all of the However, virtually all of the northern Na-Dene mtDNAs belong to northern Na-Dene mtDNAs belong to haplogroup A, whereas those of the haplogroup A, whereas those of the southern Na-Dene also include some southern Na-Dene also include some from haplogroups B, C and D, from haplogroups B, C and D, indicating that the southern indicating that the southern populations have mixed with the populations have mixed with the neighboring Amerindian populations neighboring Amerindian populations since their arrival in the American since their arrival in the American Southwest some 500-to-1, 000 years Southwest some 500-to-1, 000 years ago. Certain other trends are also ago. Certain other trends are also evident: Haplogroup A declines in evident: Haplogroup A declines in frequency from north to south, frequency from north to south, whereas haplogroups C and D whereas haplogroups C and D increase in frequency. By contrast, increase in frequency. By contrast, there is no obvious clinal distribution there is no obvious clinal distribution for haplogroup B (aside from its for haplogroup B (aside from its absence in northern North America). absence in northern North America). Whether these distributions reflect Whether these distributions reflect the original pattern of settlement in the original pattern of settlement in the Americas or subsequent genetic the Americas or subsequent genetic differentiation is not entirely clear. differentiation is not entirely clear. From “Mitochondrial DNA and the From “Mitochondrial DNA and the Peopling of the New World” by Peopling of the New World” by Theodore G. Schurr. In Theodore G. Schurr. In American American ScientistScientist, 2000:8(3), 2000:8(3)

Arctic (1)Arctic (1)► Arctic Small Tool traditionArctic Small Tool tradition

4200 – 2800 BP4200 – 2800 BP First identified in 1964 at Cape Denbigh, Seward Peninsula First identified in 1964 at Cape Denbigh, Seward Peninsula

(Alaska)(Alaska) Spread from eastern Siberia where microblade technology Spread from eastern Siberia where microblade technology

has a long tradition.has a long tradition. Considered to be ancestral to modern Inuit/Eskimo peoplesConsidered to be ancestral to modern Inuit/Eskimo peoples First First occupationoccupation of northernmost regions, including Greenland of northernmost regions, including Greenland Finely made Finely made microbladesmicroblades, spalled burins, small side and end , spalled burins, small side and end

scrapers, and side and end bladesscrapers, and side and end blades► Projectile points are triangular or pointed at both ends.Projectile points are triangular or pointed at both ends.

StructuresStructures► West: small camps and larger base camps with semi-West: small camps and larger base camps with semi-

subterranean, sod roofed housessubterranean, sod roofed houses► East: Oval and circular dwellings are indicated by East: Oval and circular dwellings are indicated by

rings of boulders rings of boulders probably were used to hold down the edges of a probably were used to hold down the edges of a tent. Charcoal and burnt bone found in the interior of the tent ring tent. Charcoal and burnt bone found in the interior of the tent ring indicates that the shelter was heated with a central fire. As well indicates that the shelter was heated with a central fire. As well circular soapstone dishes may have been used as lamps or circular soapstone dishes may have been used as lamps or heating vessels.heating vessels.

Diverse economic activities including hunting (caribou (Diverse economic activities including hunting (caribou (R. R. tarandustarandus) and sea mammals), fishing) and sea mammals), fishing

Arctic (2)Arctic (2)

► Coastal regions of southeastern Alaska were Coastal regions of southeastern Alaska were distinct in having strongly maritime traditionsdistinct in having strongly maritime traditions Importance of slate tools, evidence of greater Importance of slate tools, evidence of greater

cultural complexity (mortuary rituals)cultural complexity (mortuary rituals) On the Aleutian Islands, there is the Aleutian On the Aleutian Islands, there is the Aleutian

Tradition which continues up to the modern era (c. Tradition which continues up to the modern era (c. 1800 AD)1800 AD)►A core and flake tradition, with bifacial projectile points A core and flake tradition, with bifacial projectile points

and knives, adzes and ulu blades, chisels, and awls (etc.), and knives, adzes and ulu blades, chisels, and awls (etc.), that remained fairly stable throughout the life of the that remained fairly stable throughout the life of the tradition. There are also elaborate bone harpoon heads, tradition. There are also elaborate bone harpoon heads, and bone and ivory ornaments, whose shifting styles help and bone and ivory ornaments, whose shifting styles help date sites.date sites.

KnivesKnives

► Left: Ulu (woman’s knife) made of ground Left: Ulu (woman’s knife) made of ground slate in a bone handleslate in a bone handle

► Right: Man’s knife made from ivoryRight: Man’s knife made from ivory

Arctic (3)Arctic (3)► Norton TraditionNorton Tradition

Evolved out of Arctic Small Tool traditionEvolved out of Arctic Small Tool tradition 3000 – 1200 BP3000 – 1200 BP Restricted to the western Arctic (Alaska)Restricted to the western Arctic (Alaska) Stone tool assemblage similar to ASTtStone tool assemblage similar to ASTt

► An Arctic Small Tool tradition tool base except microblades and An Arctic Small Tool tradition tool base except microblades and the burin technology is gone; first pottery vessels (fiber-the burin technology is gone; first pottery vessels (fiber-tempered, stamped pottery from Asia) and stone lamps for tempered, stamped pottery from Asia) and stone lamps for burning oil; burning oil; toggling harpoons toggling harpoons and polished slate implements.and polished slate implements.

Structures/Residence PatternStructures/Residence Pattern► First definitive shift toward establishing permanent settlements First definitive shift toward establishing permanent settlements

on the seacoast; substantial year-round semi-subterranean on the seacoast; substantial year-round semi-subterranean houses; dense long-term occupation (hundreds of houses occur houses; dense long-term occupation (hundreds of houses occur at some sites)at some sites)

Elaborate Elaborate ivory carvingsivory carvings► Perhaps related to Siberian stylesPerhaps related to Siberian styles

Major changes in subsistence strategiesMajor changes in subsistence strategies► A more maritime focus, year round sea mammal hunting both in A more maritime focus, year round sea mammal hunting both in

open water and through winter ice, intensive fishing; caribou and open water and through winter ice, intensive fishing; caribou and small mammal hunting remain important in early part of this small mammal hunting remain important in early part of this period.period.

Arctic (4)Arctic (4)► Dorset TraditionDorset Tradition

Found in eastern ArcticFound in eastern Arctic 1800 – 900 BP1800 – 900 BP Also develops out of ASTtAlso develops out of ASTt Different subsistence strategyDifferent subsistence strategy

► The winter/spring season focused on sea mammal hunting (whales, The winter/spring season focused on sea mammal hunting (whales, seals, walrus); in the summer and fall, caribou were hunted with seals, walrus); in the summer and fall, caribou were hunted with spears and fish (salmon, char) captured with fish harpoons and spears and fish (salmon, char) captured with fish harpoons and compound leisters in rivers.compound leisters in rivers.

Rectangular, semi-subterranean winter houses, winter snow Rectangular, semi-subterranean winter houses, winter snow houses (igloos), and round summer tends were built.houses (igloos), and round summer tends were built.

Tools include snow knives, blubber lamps, a ground slate Tools include snow knives, blubber lamps, a ground slate industry, distinctive harpoon head forms, sealing projectile points.industry, distinctive harpoon head forms, sealing projectile points.

Elaborate and highly evolved artistic tradition that includes Elaborate and highly evolved artistic tradition that includes carved wood, bone, and ivory depictions of humans, spirit carved wood, bone, and ivory depictions of humans, spirit monsters, and animals; objects are of a magico-religious nature; monsters, and animals; objects are of a magico-religious nature; supernatural universe.supernatural universe.

Lacks many elements found in the Norton and later traditions, Lacks many elements found in the Norton and later traditions, including harpoon floats, the maupok method of hunting seals at including harpoon floats, the maupok method of hunting seals at breathing holes, dog sleds, cold-trap entrances for houses, bow breathing holes, dog sleds, cold-trap entrances for houses, bow and arrows, throwing boards (they used simple lances and and arrows, throwing boards (they used simple lances and harpoons).harpoons).

DisappearsDisappears

Arctic (5)Arctic (5)► Thule TraditionThule Tradition

Begins c. 1200 BP in the Bering Straights regionBegins c. 1200 BP in the Bering Straights region Expands eastward, replacing the Dorset Tradition by c. 900 Expands eastward, replacing the Dorset Tradition by c. 900

BP in all areas (including Greenland)BP in all areas (including Greenland) This is the modern Inuit/Eskimo cultureThis is the modern Inuit/Eskimo culture By c. AD 1000, all the major items of historic Eskimo culture By c. AD 1000, all the major items of historic Eskimo culture

existed throughout the Alaskan coast, including fully existed throughout the Alaskan coast, including fully equippedequipped kayaks kayaks, , umiaksumiaks, dog , dog sledssleds, harpoon line floats, , harpoon line floats, sunken houses with deep entrances, heavy use of polished sunken houses with deep entrances, heavy use of polished slate tools, pottery (thick and gravel tempered), and a wide slate tools, pottery (thick and gravel tempered), and a wide variety of specialized tools and weapons (e.g., components variety of specialized tools and weapons (e.g., components for specialized arrows, darts, and spears for fish, birds, and for specialized arrows, darts, and spears for fish, birds, and different size sea mammals; toggling and non-toggling different size sea mammals; toggling and non-toggling harpoons; dart heads for land mammals; snow goggles). An harpoons; dart heads for land mammals; snow goggles). An extensive organic inventory survives in the archaeological extensive organic inventory survives in the archaeological record. These items revolutionized coastal life throughout record. These items revolutionized coastal life throughout the Arctic. Some appear in the archaeological for the first the Arctic. Some appear in the archaeological for the first time (kayaks, umiaks, dog sleds, efficient toggling harpoons, time (kayaks, umiaks, dog sleds, efficient toggling harpoons, harpoon line floatsharpoon line floats, harpoon mounted ice picks). Objects of , harpoon mounted ice picks). Objects of iron (demonstrating contact with Siberian peoples.iron (demonstrating contact with Siberian peoples.

Arctic (6)Arctic (6)► Thule was a highly specialized culture that emphasized whale hunting Thule was a highly specialized culture that emphasized whale hunting

where possible and winter ice hunting. Large villages at favorable where possible and winter ice hunting. Large villages at favorable whaling locations organized economically and ceremonially into whaling locations organized economically and ceremonially into whaling crews and whaleboat owning entrepreneurs as in the historic whaling crews and whaleboat owning entrepreneurs as in the historic period.period.

► Their art is a high point of all Eskimo art traditions. Elaborate carved Their art is a high point of all Eskimo art traditions. Elaborate carved ivory objects. Changes through time in this tradition seen mainly in ivory objects. Changes through time in this tradition seen mainly in differences in harpoon styles and art motifs.differences in harpoon styles and art motifs.

► Thule Expansion Eastward. After c. AD 900, Thule traits and people Thule Expansion Eastward. After c. AD 900, Thule traits and people move southward to the Pacific coast, into the Alaskan interior (e.g., move southward to the Pacific coast, into the Alaskan interior (e.g., Arctic Woodland culture), and across northern Canada to Greenland. Arctic Woodland culture), and across northern Canada to Greenland. Probably related to a warm weather cycle (Medieval Warm Period) Probably related to a warm weather cycle (Medieval Warm Period) that shifted pack ice northward and changed path of sea-mammal that shifted pack ice northward and changed path of sea-mammal migrations. Retreated after AD 1300 in cold period.migrations. Retreated after AD 1300 in cold period.

► In eastern regions pottery replaced by soapstone vesselsIn eastern regions pottery replaced by soapstone vessels► Hunters of seals, walrus, and large whales. Used seal-skin covered Hunters of seals, walrus, and large whales. Used seal-skin covered

kayak and more substantial umiak for hunting and rapid kayak and more substantial umiak for hunting and rapid transportation in summer; dog sleds in winter. Used bow and arrow transportation in summer; dog sleds in winter. Used bow and arrow for caribou and musk ox. Harpoons often propelled by throwing board. for caribou and musk ox. Harpoons often propelled by throwing board.

► Three house types.Three house types. Snow house, tent (animal skin), sod house (wood/bone and stone frame Snow house, tent (animal skin), sod house (wood/bone and stone frame

covered in earth)covered in earth)

Arctic Arctic Small Tool Tradition Small Tool Tradition IllustrationsIllustrationsA: MapA: MapB: A complete flaked stone end-blade from the Arctic Small Tool traditionB: A complete flaked stone end-blade from the Arctic Small Tool traditionC: A fragment of a flaked stone end-blade (i.e, the sharp blade that would be mounted C: A fragment of a flaked stone end-blade (i.e, the sharp blade that would be mounted at the tip of a bone, antler or ivory harpoon or spear)at the tip of a bone, antler or ivory harpoon or spear)D: This Arctic Small Tool tradition tent ring is referred to as a "mid-passage" house. The D: This Arctic Small Tool tradition tent ring is referred to as a "mid-passage" house. The outer ring of rocks would have weighed down the edges of a tent. The "mid-passage" is outer ring of rocks would have weighed down the edges of a tent. The "mid-passage" is formed by the parallel lines of rocks dividing the interior of the house; at the center of formed by the parallel lines of rocks dividing the interior of the house; at the center of the mid-passage there is a small hearth or fireplace in which willow twigs or driftwood the mid-passage there is a small hearth or fireplace in which willow twigs or driftwood would have been burned.would have been burned.

Norton Tradition IllustrationsNorton Tradition IllustrationsA: Ivory figurine, c. 1900 BP. Markings on the smaller face demonstrate A: Ivory figurine, c. 1900 BP. Markings on the smaller face demonstrate tattooingtattooingB: Difference between a non-toggling and toggling harpoon, which B: Difference between a non-toggling and toggling harpoon, which toggles beneath the skin and blubber where it cannot be broken off by toggles beneath the skin and blubber where it cannot be broken off by ice and holds heavier prey like whales and walrus.ice and holds heavier prey like whales and walrus.C: Stone lampsC: Stone lamps

Dorset Tradition IllustrationsDorset Tradition IllustrationsA: MapA: MapB: Top left to right: flaked stone end-blade to fit in the tip of a harpoon head; 3 B: Top left to right: flaked stone end-blade to fit in the tip of a harpoon head; 3 harpoon heads; a so-called "spatula" carving; bottom: a harpoon foreshaft and harpoon heads; a so-called "spatula" carving; bottom: a harpoon foreshaft and harpoon head.harpoon head.C: Ivory doll, 7 cm tallC: Ivory doll, 7 cm tall

UmiakUmiak

Inuit kayak (max. length 5 m)Inuit kayak (max. length 5 m)

Kayak loaded with sealskin float, Kayak loaded with sealskin float, weapons, etc.weapons, etc.

Sled (toy)Sled (toy)

House TypesHouse Types

Subterranean Thule HouseSubterranean Thule HouseDevon Island, Canadian ArcticDevon Island, Canadian Arctic

Sub-arcticSub-arctic► Sub-arcticSub-arctic

Runs across the whole of the continent, from Runs across the whole of the continent, from interior Alaska to Labrador peninsula and interior Alaska to Labrador peninsula and NewfoundlandNewfoundland

Taiga (continuous coniferous forest)Taiga (continuous coniferous forest)►The taiga is a moist sub-arctic forest that begins where The taiga is a moist sub-arctic forest that begins where

the tundra ends. the tundra ends. ►Winters are long, dark and cold with lots of snow (min. - Winters are long, dark and cold with lots of snow (min. -

60°C)60°C)►Summers are warm and short when the daylight can be up Summers are warm and short when the daylight can be up

to 20 hours long (max. 40°C).to 20 hours long (max. 40°C).►Annual precipitation between 300-1000 mmAnnual precipitation between 300-1000 mm►Major type of vegetation is coniferous evergreens. Major type of vegetation is coniferous evergreens.

Fir (Fir (AbiesiAbiesi), spruce (), spruce (PiceaPicea), birch (), birch (BetulaBetula), juniper (), juniper (JuniperusJuniperus), ), tamarack (tamarack (LarixLarix))

►Non-coniferous trees and plantsNon-coniferous trees and plants Alder (Alder (AlnusAlnus), aspen (), aspen (PopulusPopulus), willow ), willow Lichens, mosses, sedges, grasses, bushes, berriesLichens, mosses, sedges, grasses, bushes, berries

Sub-arctic Fauna (1)Sub-arctic Fauna (1)

►HerbivoresHerbivores CaribouCaribou Moose (Moose (Alces alcesAlces alces) los) los Snowshoe hare (Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanusLepus americanus) zajíc měnivý) zajíc měnivý Beaver (Beaver (Castor canidensisCastor canidensis) bobr kanadský) bobr kanadský LemmingLemming Vole (Vole (MicrotusMicrotus spp.spp.) hraboš) hraboš American red squirrel (American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicusTamiasciurus hudsonicus) )

čikarí červený (syn. veveřice červená)čikarí červený (syn. veveřice červená)

Sub-arctic Fauna (2)Sub-arctic Fauna (2)

► CarnivoresCarnivores BearsBears

►Grizzly bear (Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilisUrsus arctos horribilis))►American black bear (American black bear (Ursus americanusUrsus americanus) baribal) baribal

CaninesCanines►WolfWolf►Coyote (Coyote (Canis latransCanis latrans))►Red fox Red fox (Vulpes vulpes(Vulpes vulpes))

FelinesFelines►Lynx (Lynx (Lynx canadensisLynx canadensis))

MustelidsMustelids►Wolverine (Wolverine (Gulo guloGulo gulo) rosomák) rosomák►Otter, marten, mink, weasleOtter, marten, mink, weasle

Sub-ArcticSub-Arctic► Northern ArchaicNorthern Archaic

6500 – 2500 BP6500 – 2500 BP Research inhibited by a general lack of well-stratified sites, Research inhibited by a general lack of well-stratified sites,

impact of climate, size of regionimpact of climate, size of region► Particularly in western half of regionParticularly in western half of region

Northern variant of generalized Archaic found throughout North Northern variant of generalized Archaic found throughout North AmericaAmerica

Technologically related to ASTtTechnologically related to ASTt► Microblades, burinsMicroblades, burins

Depended on caribou and fishing in rivers and streams for their Depended on caribou and fishing in rivers and streams for their livelihood, staying inland and near the trees most of the time.livelihood, staying inland and near the trees most of the time.

Most probably represents ancestral Indian populations as Most probably represents ancestral Indian populations as opposed to paleo-Eskimo.opposed to paleo-Eskimo.

► Throughout this region Arctic and Sub-Arctic traditions Throughout this region Arctic and Sub-Arctic traditions expanded and retracted depending on variations in the expanded and retracted depending on variations in the climateclimate Archaic hunters of ultimate eastern North American origin, Archaic hunters of ultimate eastern North American origin,

possessing notched projectile points, spread northward from the possessing notched projectile points, spread northward from the Plains with the expanding boreal forest to displace indigenous Plains with the expanding boreal forest to displace indigenous populations whose tool kits were characterized by microblades populations whose tool kits were characterized by microblades (ASTt)(ASTt)

► Known as Shield Cultures in east.Known as Shield Cultures in east.

Shield Cultures (1)Shield Cultures (1)► Both Late Eastern Shield and Late Western Shield Both Late Eastern Shield and Late Western Shield

cultures developed out of the Middle Shield culture cultures developed out of the Middle Shield culture (6,000 to 2,500 BP)(6,000 to 2,500 BP)

► 2500 BP to European contact (172500 BP to European contact (17thth to 19 to 19thth centuries) centuries)► The basis for distinguishing between these two The basis for distinguishing between these two

closely related cultures is largely technological as closely related cultures is largely technological as their settlement patterns and subsistence practices their settlement patterns and subsistence practices were very similar, if not identical, in most instances.were very similar, if not identical, in most instances. Late Eastern Shield culture retained the older stone working Late Eastern Shield culture retained the older stone working

traditions of their predecessors whereas Late Western Shield traditions of their predecessors whereas Late Western Shield culture continued a late Middle Shield culture development in culture continued a late Middle Shield culture development in the west that involved abandoning the use of massive the west that involved abandoning the use of massive siliceous deposits, such as quartzite and rhyolite, with their siliceous deposits, such as quartzite and rhyolite, with their resulting large bifacial and unifacial tools, in favour of resulting large bifacial and unifacial tools, in favour of Hudson Bay Lowlands nodular cherts with their comparatively Hudson Bay Lowlands nodular cherts with their comparatively diminutive tool products.diminutive tool products.

While both cultures made extensive use of local veins of While both cultures made extensive use of local veins of quartz as expedient cutting and scraping chunks and flakes, quartz as expedient cutting and scraping chunks and flakes, the practice appears to have been far more common in the the practice appears to have been far more common in the east. Late Eastern Shield culture also rejected pottery vessels east. Late Eastern Shield culture also rejected pottery vessels as an important item in their tool kit unlike their western as an important item in their tool kit unlike their western kinsmen.kinsmen.

Shield Cultures (2)Shield Cultures (2)► In fact, the limited pottery from Late Eastern Shield sites may simply In fact, the limited pottery from Late Eastern Shield sites may simply

represent the products of Late Western Shield culture and Late Great represent the products of Late Western Shield culture and Late Great Lakes-St. Lawrence culture women moving from their homelands in the Lakes-St. Lawrence culture women moving from their homelands in the west and south to join the bands of their husbands to the north and east. west and south to join the bands of their husbands to the north and east. Occurrences of pottery becomes progressively sparse as one advances Occurrences of pottery becomes progressively sparse as one advances eastward and northward and thus further away from the homelands of the eastward and northward and thus further away from the homelands of the hypothesized cultures within which it represented a significant element of hypothesized cultures within which it represented a significant element of technology.technology.

► This progressively fading pattern of pottery vessel distribution to the east This progressively fading pattern of pottery vessel distribution to the east maintains itself into Period V (A.D. 500 to European contact) where the maintains itself into Period V (A.D. 500 to European contact) where the East Cree, Montagnais (Naskapi), and Attikamek of Late Eastern Shield East Cree, Montagnais (Naskapi), and Attikamek of Late Eastern Shield culture territory basically rejected pottery manufacturing unlike their culture territory basically rejected pottery manufacturing unlike their western and southern kinsmen the West Main Cree, Algonquin, Southern western and southern kinsmen the West Main Cree, Algonquin, Southern and Northern Ojibwa, Western Woods Cree, and the Late Winnipeg and Northern Ojibwa, Western Woods Cree, and the Late Winnipeg Saulteaux. What pottery does occur is clearly related to western styles Saulteaux. What pottery does occur is clearly related to western styles and was likely a product of women from western bands joining their and was likely a product of women from western bands joining their husbands in the eastern bands.husbands in the eastern bands.

► Subsistence and settlement patterns remain unchanged from the Subsistence and settlement patterns remain unchanged from the preceding period and, for that matter, were to remain unchanged up to preceding period and, for that matter, were to remain unchanged up to the time of European contact.the time of European contact. Sites such as the Chicoutimi site at the juncture of the Saugenay and Sites such as the Chicoutimi site at the juncture of the Saugenay and

Chicoutimi rivers contained occupational debris spanning more than 3,000 Chicoutimi rivers contained occupational debris spanning more than 3,000 years and terminated with a historical documented Montagnais occupation. years and terminated with a historical documented Montagnais occupation. Unfortunately the cultural deposits at this site were hopelessly intermixed. Like Unfortunately the cultural deposits at this site were hopelessly intermixed. Like other large sites, the Chicoutimi site was a favourable location where a band other large sites, the Chicoutimi site was a favourable location where a band or, more likely, a number of bands gathered on a seasonal basis.or, more likely, a number of bands gathered on a seasonal basis.

Western/Northwestern Sub-Western/Northwestern Sub-ArcticArctic► 2500 BP to European Contact (nineteenth century)2500 BP to European Contact (nineteenth century)

► Interior culture must be viewed in relationship to its Interior culture must be viewed in relationship to its geographical setting. The region is geographical setting. The region is physiographically dominated by the northwest physiographically dominated by the northwest trending Cordillera consisting of coastal and interior trending Cordillera consisting of coastal and interior mountain ranges with intervening smaller mountain mountain ranges with intervening smaller mountain ranges and plateaus. ranges and plateaus. Major drainages are the Yukon and the Mackenzie, two of Major drainages are the Yukon and the Mackenzie, two of

the largest river systems in the world. the largest river systems in the world. ► Within this complex mosaic of landforms, small Within this complex mosaic of landforms, small

hunting bands relied upon fish and caribou as well hunting bands relied upon fish and caribou as well as regionally and seasonally available small game, as regionally and seasonally available small game, waterfowl, moose, and berries. waterfowl, moose, and berries.

► To survive in a region with widely dispersed food To survive in a region with widely dispersed food resources and peak periods of abundance and resources and peak periods of abundance and scarcity has always demanded a broadly based and scarcity has always demanded a broadly based and flexible foraging pattern.flexible foraging pattern.

Distribution of Sub-Arctic Cultures:Distribution of Sub-Arctic Cultures:Map III - Cultural Distributions, 4,000 to 1,000 B.C.Map III - Cultural Distributions, 4,000 to 1,000 B.C.A Middle Maritime | B Middle Great Lakes-St. Lawrence | C Middle A Middle Maritime | B Middle Great Lakes-St. Lawrence | C Middle Shield | D Middle Plains | E Middle Plateau | F Early West Coast | Shield | D Middle Plains | E Middle Plateau | F Early West Coast | G Middle Northwest Interior | H Early Palaeo-Eskimo G Middle Northwest Interior | H Early Palaeo-Eskimo

Interior projectile points (Yukon): wide range of sizes, shapes, Interior projectile points (Yukon): wide range of sizes, shapes, stylesstyles