The Thule tradition in northern Labrador

Schledermann, Peter (1971) The Thule tradition in northern Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the origin and cultural development of the Thule Eskimo Tradition in Northern Labrador, based on an analysis of archaeological material excavated during the summer of 1970 in Saglek Bay. The Thule Eskimo occupation of this region extends in time approximately from the mid-fifteenth century to the present. Specifically the objectives were: to establish the presence of the Thule Tradition prior to Euro-American contact; to investigate the cultural affinity and direction from which their ancestors migrated to the east coast of Labrador; to view the development of the Thule Tradition in relation to climatic changes as well as acculturative Euro-American influences; to investigate the changing settlement patterns and relate these changes to similar events in other areas of the arctic. The time span of Thule Eskimo occupation in Saglek Bay has been analysed with reference to three phases. The Early Phase (A.D. 1450 to 1700) establishes the presence of a prehistoric Thule Eskimo population on the Labrador coast and indicates a close affinity with the early Thule cultures in northern Baffin Island and NW. Greenland. The Communal House Phase (A.D. 1700 to 1850) is characterized by the appearance of large rectangular communal houses similar in structural design to communal houses in Greenland. The Late Phase (A.D. 1850 to PRESENT) represents the recent disintegration of the traditional Thule Eskimo culture in Saglek Bay, initiated by the establishment of the Moravian Mission at Hebron.

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