Ashuanipi Kupitan: excavation at the Ferguson Bay 1 site in Western Labrador

• Main Author: Brake, Jamie E. S.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2007
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Indian; Ferguson; Havre; Cow Head; Hamilton Inlet; Ferguson Bay; North West River
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/10194/; https://research.library.mun.ca/10194/1/Brake_JamieES.pdf

In this thesis evidence from the Ferguson Bay 1 site (FfDn-01) in western Labrador is presented and interpreted. This is a multi-component site located on the northwestern shore of Ashuanipi Lake and evidence shows that it was used at least as early as 1600 B.P. The site was occupied repeatedly by Amerindian groups since then and historically it is known to have been part of an lnnu travel route through the interior of the Quebec-Labrador Peninsula. Ashuanipi Lake, and the area around the Ferguson Bay 1 site, continues to be used by the lnnu today. -- It is argued that the earliest evidence from FfDn-01 shows a relationship with several precontact period Amerindian cultures which have been recognized in other parts of the "Far Northeast". The material culture associated with the earliest known occupation of the site is most similar to that of the FlècheLlittorale and Petit Havre complexes of the Quebec Lower North shore. Archaeological evidence also suggests relationships with the people of the North West River phase of Hamilton Inlet, and the Cow Head complex of Newfoundland. There is evidence that a component at FfDn-01 which dates to approximately 1000 B.P. is related to Recent Indian groups who occupied the Labrador coast during the same time period. -- The Labrador interior, and western Labrador in particular, have until recently, received less archaeological attention than other parts of the "Far Northeast". This thesis provides archaeological evidence which will help build an understanding of the culture history of interior Labrador.