A Reconsideration of the Archaeological Significance of the Role of the Middleman in the Fur Trade
Arthur Ray's concept of the archaeological significance of the role of the middleman in the fur trade in northern Canada is examined. It is felt that his conclusions are based on historical generalizations that are not representative of the complexity of the trading post system. Specific exampl...
| Published in: | American Antiquity |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
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Cambridge University Press (CUP)
1979
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| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/279561 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0002731600083426 |
| Summary: | Arthur Ray's concept of the archaeological significance of the role of the middleman in the fur trade in northern Canada is examined. It is felt that his conclusions are based on historical generalizations that are not representative of the complexity of the trading post system. Specific examples from early journals of the Fort Churchill and Lake Athabasca areas are cited in support of this contention. Finally, it is suggested that the most profitable avenue for future research is to use historical data in an integrative rather than a supplementary manner. |
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