Factory Cove: recognition and definition of the early palaeo-eskimo period in Newfoundland

Auger, Réginald (1984) Factory Cove: recognition and definition of the early palaeo-eskimo period in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This research was originally designed to document what was then called "Early Dorset" on the Island of Newfoundland~ however, analysis of the data suggested that we should not refer to the Factory Cove remains as "Early Dorset" but rather as "Groswater" since it now appears most closely related to Fitzhugh's (1972~ 1976a) Groswater Dorset for Labrador. The investigation of on early Palaeo-Eskimo phase different from the so-called "Typical Newfoundland Dorset" was in itself a new approach to Newfoundland Eskimo archaeology. -- The present research is a contribution to establish the Eskimo cultural history for the time period of 2700 to 2100 B.P. The data reported here were collected over the summers of 1978 by Dr. James A. Tuck and by the author in 1981. Altogether 160 square metres were excavated. -- The faunal remains recovered included 13 species; season-specific species suggest a late winter to early summer occupation. The variety of the architecture though, is suggestive of a year round occupation. We were able to identify a house which had been slightly dug, a mid-passage hearth structure, a lean-to, and a tent circle. In my opinion the section dealing with the lithic remains represents the main contribution to our understanding of the Groswater phase. The multiple occupations that occurred over six centuries allowed us to pinpoint certain changes in the lithic tools. -- The main conclusion of this research is the rejection of the traditional view of seeing "Early Dorset" metamorphosing into Middle Dorset in Newfoundland. It is proposed instead that Groswater is the last phase of an early Palaeo-Eskimo period lasting in Newfoundland no later than 2100 B. P. After an apparent gap of approximately 200 years from the end of the Groswater phase, the carriers of the late Palaeo-Eskimo period arrived on insular Newfoundland from Labrador.

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