A Comparison of Maritime Archaic Indian and Intermediate Indian Site Distribution in Labrador

Abstract

This paper is concerned with Maritime Archaic Indian and Intermediate Indian cultures in Labrador and the differences in site distribution patterns between these cultural periods. A brief summary of what is currently known about each culture is presented followed by an examination and comparison of site distribution. All known Maritime Archaic Indian and Intermediate Indian sites in Labrador are considered here. It is shown that over 91% of known Labrador Maritime Archaic Indian sites are located on the coast. In contrast, 56% of known Intermediate Indian sites in Labrador are found in the interior. These results support suggestions that the beginning of the Intermediate Indian period (approximately 3500 B. P.) was a time of change for Indian populations in Labrador and that the interior became much more important for Indian groups at that time (Fitzhugh 1972; Nagle 1978; Tuck n.d.). The possible meanings of these differences in site distribution patterns are discussed and suggestions for future research on this topic are given.