An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador
lthough nephrite use has been studied from various perspectives in many parts of the world (Asia, Mesoamerica, and western Canada), discussion of its use amongst the precontact Inuit of Labrador is limited. Archaeologists have discussed possible nephrite sources in Labrador in the past, but have not...
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
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ftmemorialuniv:oai:research.library.mun.ca:8645 2023-10-01T03:57:02+02:00 An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador Higdon, John Lawrence 2008 application/pdf https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/ https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/1/Higdon_JohnLawrence.pdf en eng Memorial University of Newfoundland https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/1/Higdon_JohnLawrence.pdf Higdon, John Lawrence <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Higdon=3AJohn_Lawrence=3A=3A.html> (2008) An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland. thesis_license Thesis NonPeerReviewed 2008 ftmemorialuniv 2023-09-03T06:47:00Z lthough nephrite use has been studied from various perspectives in many parts of the world (Asia, Mesoamerica, and western Canada), discussion of its use amongst the precontact Inuit of Labrador is limited. Archaeologists have discussed possible nephrite sources in Labrador in the past, but have not dealt directly with its exploitation. Focusing mainly on the nephrite assemblage recovered from Nachvak Village (IgCx-3) in northern Labrador, the difficulties associated with nephrite procurement, manufacture and use are discussed. The fibrous crystalline structure that gives nephrite its strength and durability also makes it very difficult to work. Concepts of agency, chaîne opératoire and anthropology of technology are used to characterize the ground stone assemblage according to provisional function and stage in the production process. Based on the tools and implements available, the experimental production and use of drill bits are discussed in order to assess the costs and benefits of using nephrite as opposed to slate. Successes and failures associated with the experimental approach are also discussed to highlight the learning process, as well as the nuances of Inuit ground stone technology. Thesis inuit Memorial University of Newfoundland: Research Repository Canada Nachvak Fiord ENVELOPE(-63.748,-63.748,59.050,59.050) |
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Memorial University of Newfoundland: Research Repository |
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English |
description |
lthough nephrite use has been studied from various perspectives in many parts of the world (Asia, Mesoamerica, and western Canada), discussion of its use amongst the precontact Inuit of Labrador is limited. Archaeologists have discussed possible nephrite sources in Labrador in the past, but have not dealt directly with its exploitation. Focusing mainly on the nephrite assemblage recovered from Nachvak Village (IgCx-3) in northern Labrador, the difficulties associated with nephrite procurement, manufacture and use are discussed. The fibrous crystalline structure that gives nephrite its strength and durability also makes it very difficult to work. Concepts of agency, chaîne opératoire and anthropology of technology are used to characterize the ground stone assemblage according to provisional function and stage in the production process. Based on the tools and implements available, the experimental production and use of drill bits are discussed in order to assess the costs and benefits of using nephrite as opposed to slate. Successes and failures associated with the experimental approach are also discussed to highlight the learning process, as well as the nuances of Inuit ground stone technology. |
format |
Thesis |
author |
Higdon, John Lawrence |
spellingShingle |
Higdon, John Lawrence An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
author_facet |
Higdon, John Lawrence |
author_sort |
Higdon, John Lawrence |
title |
An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
title_short |
An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
title_full |
An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
title_fullStr |
An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
title_full_unstemmed |
An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador |
title_sort |
experimental approach to inuit ground stone technology at nachvak fiord, labrador |
publisher |
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
publishDate |
2008 |
url |
https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/ https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/1/Higdon_JohnLawrence.pdf |
long_lat |
ENVELOPE(-63.748,-63.748,59.050,59.050) |
geographic |
Canada Nachvak Fiord |
geographic_facet |
Canada Nachvak Fiord |
genre |
inuit |
genre_facet |
inuit |
op_relation |
https://research.library.mun.ca/8645/1/Higdon_JohnLawrence.pdf Higdon, John Lawrence <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Higdon=3AJohn_Lawrence=3A=3A.html> (2008) An experimental approach to Inuit ground stone technology at Nachvak Fiord, Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland. |
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1778527894591504384 |