Combining remote sensing, geophysics, and lithic provenance and reduction to understand long-term continuity in Paleo-Inuit chert quarrying and seasonal inland travels on southern Baffin Island, NU

Abstract

In 2013, we identified a large chert quarry located in the intermediate zone between southern Baffin Island's coast and interior. In 2015, we used a combination of remote sensing and geophysical technology to assess how intensively Pre-Dorset and Dorset populations (collectively known as Paleo-Inuit) used the site. This paper presents the results of those investigations, and explains how they articulate with geochemical and lithic reduction data from two large inland Paleo-Inuit habitation sites on southern Baffin Island. Our findings suggest that, despite a dramatic shift in the Arctic climate c. 5000–2500 BP, human populations in this region maintained seasonal patterns of intensive resource exploitation in the interior regions of Baffin Island. This was likely a result of ongoing need for vital resources only available in the interior, including chert toolstone.