Social life and technical practice: an analysis of the osseous tool assemblage at the dorset palaeoeskimo site of Philip's Garden, Newfoundland

• Main Author: Wells, Patricia Jean
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2012
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/6191/; https://research.library.mun.ca/6191/1/Wells_PatriciaJean.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/6191/3/Wells_PatriciaJean.pdf

The aim of this thesis is to provide an understanding of the social nature of technological life at Phillip's Garden (EeBi-1), a large Middle Dorset site in northwestern Newfoundland. This is accomplished through the analysis of its osseous (bone, antler and ivory) tool industry. The assemblage is systematically presented providing morphological details for tool types, variation in forms and materials selected for their manufacture. In addition, the frequency of tool forms is recorded over the temporal and spatial extent of the site, and evidence of their manufacture and use is explored. Technological practice is defined in a thoroughly inclusive way, not simply as the material outcome of production, but immersed in social action that reinforces relationships among people, the materials they manipulate and the settings of technological events. The results of this analysis reveal a dynamic and unique community at Phillip's Garden where occupants transformed, over the course of its occupation, some practices of material acquisition, manufacture and use, dwelling occupation, tool making, and hunting.