Artifacts from Dwelling 2
The excavation of Dwelling 2 recovered approximately 400 artifacts, which show that its occupants participated in many activities that are still important to Inuvialuit today. For example, sewing, hunting, and fishing. Most of the artifacts were made from local materials such as antler, bone, hide, stone, and driftwood. However, some were made from materials that originated elsewhere like amber and soapstone.
An unusually high number of slate ulut and ulu fragments were found, as well as a large amount of unworked slate. Along with evidence from animal bones, this suggests the dwelling was used for skin and hide processing.
The permafrost preserved many animal furs and hides in the dwelling. After excavation they were sent to the Canadian Conservation Institute for careful cleaning. One of the skin artifacts turned out to be a bag, most likely made from sealskin. It might have been used as a pack for dogs. Interestingly, Elder Edith Haogak suggested that one of the bone artifacts was used to attach packs to dogs. Click here to learn more about community knowledge of artifacts.
We also found many hunting and fishing artifacts like arrow heads, harpoon heads, fishing lures, and barbed points from fishing spears.
Look through the albums below to see some of the artifacts recovered from Dwelling 2.
An unusually high number of slate ulut and ulu fragments were found, as well as a large amount of unworked slate. Along with evidence from animal bones, this suggests the dwelling was used for skin and hide processing.
The permafrost preserved many animal furs and hides in the dwelling. After excavation they were sent to the Canadian Conservation Institute for careful cleaning. One of the skin artifacts turned out to be a bag, most likely made from sealskin. It might have been used as a pack for dogs. Interestingly, Elder Edith Haogak suggested that one of the bone artifacts was used to attach packs to dogs. Click here to learn more about community knowledge of artifacts.
We also found many hunting and fishing artifacts like arrow heads, harpoon heads, fishing lures, and barbed points from fishing spears.
Look through the albums below to see some of the artifacts recovered from Dwelling 2.
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SEALSKIN BAG
The bag, which is probably seal skin, appears to have 6 peaks (two at each “end” and one in the “middle” on each side). The end peaks all have slots cut vertically. The middle peaks do not. They were likely lost during use or burial. There are also other slots cut along the sides, which are lower, between the peaks. There is a partial thong threaded through two or three slots. Its end is wound around a “plug” or a skin flap. |
SEWING, CLOTHING, AND ADORNMENT
HUNTING, FISHING, AND TRAVELING
VESSELS
MISCELLANEOUS AND UNKNOWN
Contact us if you have any ideas about the use of any of these artifacts!
Contact us if you have any ideas about the use of any of these artifacts!
