Archaeology & Environment in the Scoresby Sund Fjord

Hanne Tuborg Sandell and Birgir Sandell

Archaeology & Environment in the Scoresby Sund Fjord: Ethno-Archaeological Investigations of the Last Thule Culture of Northeast Greenland

Meddelelser om Grønland, Man & Society 15. Museum Tusculanum Press, Denmark: 1991

In 1982, because of surveying for oil in Northeast Greenland, Kalaallit Nunaata Katersugaasivia / Grønlands Landsmuseum began a series of surveys in the area to bring the mapping of archaeological sites up to date. The subsequent excavation of a winter dwelling from the last Thule Eskimo settlement in the area is the subject of this book. The first section describes the natural conditions and living resources of the area, and is followed by a short historical/archaeological review of Northeast Greenland. Next, the results of the excavation are presented. There follows a section on the material and cultural development and adjustments made by the present population of the Scoresby Sund area, as regards ecology and resources.  Theories are put forward to describes patterns of resource exploitation, mobility, seasonal movements, etc. for the people living in the last Thule culture in the Scoresby Sund area. Opportunities for contact with European Whalers and other cultural developments are also discussed.

Typical illustrations include ‘rose root pickled in blubber’, ‘drop beads’ and ‘snow knives’.

Paperback, 152 pages, 26.4 x 19 cm, black and white illustrations.

ISBN 9788763512084

(£30.00)