In traditional Inuit society the availability of game resources must always have been one of the most important criteria for the determination of settlement locations. A number of ecological factors determine the availability of particular game species in the Arctic regions. The presence of open water areas known as polynyas is one of these factors. The relationship between polynya distributions and prehistoric settlement patterns in the High Arctic is explored, with particular reference to the Bache Peninsula region on the east coast of Ellesmere Island, N.W.T. R~S U M É. Dans la societ6 Inuite traditionelle, un des principaux criteres de localisation des colonies a toujours 6t6, semble t'il, la presence de ressources en gibier. Les facteurs 6cologiques sont nombreux pour permettre l'abondance d'espiices giboyeuses particulieres dans les regions arctiques. Un de ces facteurs est la presence de zones B eau libre, qu'on appelle des polynias. L'auteur explore le type de rapport entre la localisation des polynias et celle des colonies prehistoriques dans l'Arctique Septentrional et met l'accent sur ia Peninsule de Bache, situ6e sur la c6te est de Pile d'Ellesmtre-N.W.T. Traduit par Alain de Vendegies, Aquitaine Company of Canada Ltd.
Excavations of Thule culture winter sites in the Bache Peninsula region on the east coast of Ellesmere Island have yielded a number of finds which indicate a strong relationship to cultural developments in the Bering Sea region. Specific elements under discussion include dwelling styles, clay pottery, needle cases, a brow band and harpoon heads. Evidence is presented suggesting an initial arrival of the Thule culture Inuit in the eastern Arctic around 1050 A.D.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS BACHE PENINSULAThe preliminary results of the 1978 investigation are presented in a chronological sequence beginning with the earliest evidence of human occupation noted in the study area.
Arctic Small Tool TraditionArctic Small Tool tradition sites have been noted at various elevations throughout the study area, particularly in the vicinity of Digarmulen Point and along the north coast of Johan Peninsula, east of Alexandra Fiord (Schledermann 1977). A number of lithic artifacts, including burins, microblades (Plate 1, a-e) and biface and needle fragments were obtained from an ASTt site (SfFk-6) located between 29 and 30 m ASL (above sea level) on Skraeling Island. Associated structural features were inconclusive in design with indications of singular hearth features (no charcoal) and remains of possible tent rings. In 1977, a partially buried walrus tusk was located on this gravel terrace yielding a radiocarbon date of 5390 t 380 B.P. or 3440 B .C. (Rl-834). The association of the artifacts with the unmodified tusk can only be inferred. However, the possibility remains that this site relates to Eigil Knuth's "Gammel NQgdlit" phase of the Arctic Small Tool tradition, supposedly representing an older (than presently accepted) ASTt occupation in the High Arctic (Knuth, pers. comm. 1978).The principal research area (A) on Knud Peninsula contained a number of ASTt sites which appeared to represent various stages of that tradition. The Ridge Site (SgFm-6) contained ASTt dwelling features at various elevations burins; i and j) stemmed end blades; k and 1) side blades; m) microblades; n) burin spaus; O) bone needle; p) ivory carving.
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