Culture contact in Southern Labrador and Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula: an ethnohistorical and archaeological approach

Wolfe, Kara (2013) Culture contact in Southern Labrador and Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula: an ethnohistorical and archaeological approach. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This thesis examines cultural interactions in southern Labrador and Newfoundland's Great Northern Peninsula between numerous Aboriginal (Beothuk, Innu and Inuit) and European (Basques, English, French and Norse) groups following the arrival of the Norse ca. AD 1000. The presence of so many groups, each with their own agendas and prejudices, impacted the development of relationships along the coast. Drawing upon ethnohistorical and archaeological data this thesis explores the multifaceted development of contact relationships. The ethnohistorical research examines the larger picture of culture contact in the region and explores the gradual transition from sporadic contact to more formalized trade initiatives. The archaeological research focuses on the movement of two classes of European goods, iron nails and ceramics, onto Inuit sites in southern Labrador. The archaeological research illuminates the Inuit decision-making process regarding the method in which they obtained these goods, either through scavenging or trading, and the effects of the transition from French to English dominance along the Labrador coast.

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