An Outline of the Archaeology of Peary Land

Abstract

Contains an account of observations and excavations made at Jorgen Bronlunds Fjord and other localities during the Danish Peary Land Expedition 1947-50, led by the author. The area is described and characterized as "a transit region for Eskimo migrations from arctic North America to northern East Greenland." Remnants (especially the umiak) of a neo-Eskimo Whale Hunting Culture found at Herlufsholm (ca. 85 35 N, 20 15 W) are discussed and related to finds in Alaska. Belonging to the Dorset Culture, 31 sites with dwellings, tent rings, fire places, meat caches and fox traps were excavated. Numerous flint and bone artifacts are described, illustrated, and correlated with finds from Norton Sound, and the Brooks Range in Alaska, and from southwestern Labrador. The tent sites (stone rings) are closely analyzed and from them conclusions inferred as to the extent, economy, and life of that culture. The range of Dorset known localities is greatly extended by this expedition. More information "on this strange old Eskimo culture...is needed for further investigations on the subject of the origin of the whole Eskimo culture." Bibliography (29 items).