Les Dates au radiocarbone du PIPGN/NOGAP Radiocarbon Dates Compilées par/Compiled by Luc Nolin et/and Jacques Cinq-Mars Ce répertoire de datations radiocarbone (SMA) est une compilation qui inclue des datations conventionelles (54/96) et de spectrométrie de masse par accélérateur (SMA) (42/96) obtenues dans le cadre des travaux du Projet archéologique du PIPGN entre 1985 et 1994. Il s'agit de datations non-corrigées calculées principalement à partir d'ossements de mammifères et de charbon de bois. Les datations sont présentées avec des commentaires pertinents des chercheurs suivant un format standardisé similaire à celui utilisé dans Radiocarbon. Des références aux rapports et/ou publications pertinentes des chercheurs sont aussi incluses. Enfin, leur présentation suit un classement géographique correspondant plus ou moin aux sous-unités de recherche et de gestion du PIPGN. Cette compilation est l'union de répertoires originalement publiés sous forme d'annexes aux Cahiers No 1 et 2 de l'Association canadienne d'archéologie en 1991 et 1994 respectivement. This listing offers a compilation of conventional (54) and Accelerator Mass Spectometry (AMS) (42) dates obtained during the NOGAP Archaeology Project between 1985 and 1994. Most are uncorrected dates calculated from mammal bones or charcoal. They are presented along with pertinent comments by the researchers who submitted them, following a standardized format similar to the one used in the journal Radiocarbon. References to the researchers' reports and/or publications follows a geographic breakdown which corresponds more or less to the principal archaeological research and management sub-units of the larger NOGAP area. The compilation represents the amalgamation of lists published as Appendices at the end of both Occasional Paper No.1 and 2 of the Canadian Archaeological Association in 1991 and 1994 respectively. HERSCHEL ISLAND Beta-70225 140±50 BP (conventional) NjVj-1, Avadlek Spit Rangifer antler fragment, grooved and snapped, from House 1. Collector: T.M. Friesen, 1991. Beta-70226 350±50 BP (conventional) NjVj-1, Avadlek Spit Rangifer antler fragment, cut and chopped, from House 2. Collector: T.M. Friesen, 1991. Comment (T.M. Friesen): the artifact samples from House 1 and 2 at NjVj-1 are generally indicative of the late Western Thule period. Ringed and conically- knobbed arrowheads predominate, while the one harpoon head is an ornate exemple of the Nunagiak Barbed type. The earlier of the two dates (Beta-70226) is consistent with this intepretation, and was derived from a secure context under the House 2 sleeping platform. The latter date (Beta-70225), on the other hand, was derived from the House 1 fill, and may represent an intrusive artifact deposited during a more recent occupation of the site. In sum, the late Western Thule component at this site can be tentatively dated to approximatively 350 years BP. NORTHERN YUKON RIDDL-541 <180 BP MlVm-4 (AMS) Rangifer antler, grooved and worked; specimen MlVm-4:77. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1985. Comment (J. Cinq-Mars and R. Le Blanc): the object dated was recovered from a recently discovered, late prehistoric Vuntut Gwich'in fish camp located in the Old Crow Flats (Yukon Territory) and serves to confurn the archaeological importance of this large Interinontane, lacustrine basin in terms of our understanding of late prehistoric/traditional land use patterns. RIDDL-542 200±90 BP NfVi-8 (AMS) Rangifer antler, culturally modified, from a site located on a south-facing terrace at the point where the Trail River enters the British Mountains, Yukon Coastal Plain. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1986. Comment (R. Le Blanc): the dated specimen was recovered from the surface of a large boulder structure (probably some type of dwelling) located near the edge of a terrace which faces towards the British Mountains. The date and associated debris suggest a probable late prehistoric Mackenzie Eskimo occupation associated with caribou hunting. RIDDL-319 9400±230 BP NiVk-1. Engigstciak ("Buffalo Pit") (AMS) Bison sp. metatarsal; specimen NiVk-1:459. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1955. Comment: see article by Cinq-Mars et al., 1991. RIDDL-362 9870±180 BP NiVk-1, Engigstciak ("Buffalo Pit") (AMS) Bison sp. tibia; specimen NiVk-1 (S475W270-1). Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1955. Comment: see article by Cinq-Mars et al., 1991. RIDDL-281 9770±180 BP NiVk-1, Engigstciak ("Buffalo Pit") (AMS) Bison sp. metacarpal; specimen NiVk-1:135. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1955. Comment: see article by Cinq-Mars et al., 1991. RIDDL-320 4280±200 VP NiVk-1, Engigstciak (AMS) Sea mammal bone, worked; specimen NiVk-1:341. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1955. Comment (R. McGhee): this is one in a small series of billet- like objects found in assemblage contexts interpreted by R.S. MacNeish (1956a) as related to both the Denbigh complex (ASTt) and the Norton tradition. This cylindrically-shaped object bears scars suggestive of its use as a flaking or flint-knapping hammer. The very heavy and dense bone with no cancellous tissue is almost certainly sea mammal bone (probably walrus mandible or bacculum). There is no information on the 14C content of the Beaufort Sea marine reservoir. However for forty modern samples from arctic and subarctic marine reservoirs, Stuiver et al. (1986)list apparent ages ranging from 370 to 893 years with a mean of 554 years. We may expect that the date acquired on this sample is a few centuries older than a date which would be obtained from a contemporaneous sample from the atmospheric reservoir. (J. Cinq-Mars): the available provenience data indicate at this time that the specimen belongs to artifact series attributable to MacNeish's (ibid.) Firth River Cordmarked (Denbigh-like) or to the Firth River Dentate (Norton-like) complexes. The date itself, with or without the afore-mentioned correction, falls squarely into the presently known Denbigh or ASTt sequence (see Dumond 1984) indicating that the specimen is more likely to be associated with the Cordmarked complex or, possibly with the preceding New Mountain phase. It also indicates a relatively early ASTt presence in northwestern mainland Canada, and further suggests that data from Engigstciak may yet serve to elucidate the question of the eastward spread of this tradition from a western Alaskan homeland. RIDDL-365 260±120 BP NgVh-1, Trail River (AMS) Rangifer, antler fragment, grooved, from "feature 1": specimen NgVh-1:35. Collector: J. Cinq-Mars, 1983. RIDDL-342 290 BP (2 sigma) NgVh-1, Trail River (AMS) Rangifer scapula exhibiting butchering marks, from "feature 1": specimen NgVh-1:43. Collector: J. Cinq-Mars 1983. RIDDL-343 260 BP NgVh-1, Trail River (AMS) Wood fragment, possibly modified, from "feature 1"; specimen NgVh-1:109. Collector: J. Cinq-Mars, 1983. General comments (R. Le Blanc; see also article by Nagy, 1991): the site consists of a caribou hunting camp located on the middle portion of the Trail River, Yukon Coastal Plain; the three dates (RIDDL-365, 342, and 343) were obtained from specimens recovered from a semi-circular cobble structure which was probably a hunting blind. All three suggest a late prehistoric Mackenzie Inuit occupation. RIDDL-544 550±120 BP NgVh-1, Trail River (AMS) Alces axis fragment, cut; recovered from the central hearth (feature 5.1) of a housepit (feature 5). Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1985. Comment (R. Le Blanc; see also article by Nagy, 1991): the date suggests a much earlier occupation than that which is indicated by the date for "feature 1", at NgVh-1. It therefore implies intermittent reuse of the site over a period of several centuries, presumably by the Mackenzie Eskimo. RIDDL-363 600±130 BP NfVc-1, Whitefish Station (west) (AMS) Rangifer antler fragment, extensively grooved; specimen NfVc-1:2a. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1954. Comment (D. Morrison): this date is on an artifact obtained from a small Western Thule assemblage recovered by R.S. MacNeish (1956b), purportedly at Whitefish Station (west), on the Yukon coast, a few kilometres west of the Yukon-N.W.T. boundary. It is within the dendrochronological range of Western Thule, and hence fully acceptable. Its significance is increased by the fact that it is the only Western Thule radiocarbon date not based on such problematic materials as sea mammal products or driftwood charcoal (see Morrison 1989). MACKENZIE DELTA - RICHARDS ISLAND AECV-1001C 730±80 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Terrestrial mammal (Sample G-1). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 1 of the site. The date is inconsistent with one other date obtained from this structure (AECV- 1002C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1002C 360±80 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-2). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 1 of the site. The date is inconsistent with one other date obtained from this structure (AECV- 1001C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1003C 280±110 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone and antler (Sample G-3). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 2 of the site. The date is inconsistent with one other date obtained from this structure (AECV-1004C), but consistent with a third date (AECV-1005C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1004C 800±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Mix of terrestrial mammal bone (Sample G- 4). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 2 of the site. The date is inconsistent with two others obtained from this structure (AECV-1003C and AECV-1005C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1005C 270±80 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-5). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 2 of the site. The date is consistent with one other from this structure (AECV-1003C) but a third date is inconsistent (AECV-1004C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1006C 550±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-6). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected from the 50-60 cm level of a midden in Area 2 of the site (Arnold 1991). AECV-1007C 450±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer and Alces, composite bone (Sample G-7). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected from the 60-70 cm level of a midden in Area 2 of the site (Arnold 1991). AECV-1008C 530±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer bone (Sample G-8). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected from the 100-110 cm level of a midden in Area 2 of the site (Arnold 1991). AECV-1009C 350±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer bone (Sample G-9). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected from the 120-130 cm level of a midden in Area 2 of the site (Arnold 1991). AECV-1010C 360±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-10). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 3 of the site. It is consistent with one other date of this structure (AECV-1011C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1011C 540±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-11). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inui winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 1 in Area 3 of the site. It is consistent with one other date of this structure (AECV-1010C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1012C 700±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Alces bone (Sample G-12). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 2 in Area 3 of the site. It is consistent with one other date of this structure (AECV-1013C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1013C 690±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-1, Gupuk Land mammal, composite bone (Sample G-13). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): Mackenzie Inuit winter village. Based on historic evidence, this site was abandoned in the first half of the 19th century. The material was collected near the floor of House 2 in Area 3 of the site. It is consistent with one other date of this structure (AECV-1012C)(Arnold 1991). RIDDL-548 740±120 BP NiTs-1, Gupuk (AMS) Rangifer, worked antler; specimen NiTs-1:2139. Collector: C. Arnold, 1986. RIDDL-550 650±40 BP NiTs-1, Gupuk (AMS) Bone tool; specimen NiTs-1:208. Collector: C. Arnold, 1985. General comments (C. Arnold): based on historic evidence, this large site was occupied as recently as the early 1800s. Seventeen conventional 14C dates have now been obtained, ranging from 350±90 B.P. to 730±80 B.P. The RIDDL dates are consistent with these assessments. AECV-1014C 640±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-2, Pond Site Alces bone (Sample G-14). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): archaeological evidence shows this to be a Mackenzie Inuit winter site, with sod and driftwood houses. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to determine temporal placement relative to other sites in the area. The material dated was collected near the floor of House 1. It is consistent with one other date which has been obtained on this structure (AECV-1015C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1015C 640±80 BP (conventional) NiTs-2, Pond Site Rangifer and Alces, composite bone (Sample G-15). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): archaeological evidence shows this to be a Mackenzie Inuit winter site, with sod and driftwood houses. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to determine temporal placement relative to other sites in the area. The material dated was collected near the floor of House 1. It is consistent with one other date which has been obtained on this structure (AECV-1014C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1016C 610±80 BP (conventional) NiTs-2, Pond Site Alces, composite bone (Sample G-16). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): archaeological evidence shows this to be a Mackenzie Inuit winter site, with sod and driftwood houses. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to determine temporal placement relative to other sites in the area. The material dated was collected near the floor of House 1. It is consistent with one other date which has been obtained on this structure (AECV-1017C)(Arnold 1991). AECV-1017C 460±90 BP (conventional) NiTs-2, Pond Site Rangifer, composite bone (Sample G-17). Collector: C.D. Arnold, 1989. Comment (C.D. Arnold): archaeological evidence shows this to be a Mackenzie Inuit winter site, with sod and driftwood houses. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to determine temporal placement relative to other sites in the area. The material dated was collected near the floor of House 1. It is consistent with one other date which has been obtained on this structure (AECV-1016C)(Arnold 1991). Beta-65519 1870±70 BP (conventional) NiTs-4 Rangifer bone (NiTs-4:185). Collector: Pat Sutherland, 1993. Comment (P. Sutherland): the caribou bone produced good quality collagen and laboratory analysis proceeded normally. This sample was submitted for radiocarbon assay in order to determine if there was more than one component at the site. The result is a later date than what one would expect for the Choris component of NiTs-4. The site which was discovered in 1993 was subject to preliminary study only, and this radiocarbon date may relate to a later, yet unidentified occupation of the site (Sutherland 1994). Beta-65520 1470±60 BP (CAMS-9005) (AMS) NiTs-4 Rangifer antler (NiTs-4:186), from Test Unit 5. Collector: Pat Sutherland, 1993. Comment (P. Sutherland): laboratory analysis for this small sample of caribou antler proceeded normally. The sample was taken from a feature containing some charcoal and evidence of burning, several metres away from the surface find of linear stamped pottery. It was hoped that it would date the Choris component of NiTs-4, but this result is much later than what one would expect for the Choris culture. The site which was discovered in 1993 was subject to preliminary study, and this radiocarbon date may relate to a later, yet unidentified occupation of the site (Sutherland 1994). TUKTOYAKTUK PENINSULA RIDDL-344 490±170 BP NiTr-2, Kittigazuit (AMS) Rangifer antler, bird dart side prong; specimen NiTr-2:1543. Collector: R. McGhee, 1970. Comment (D.Morrison): the specimen is illustrated by McGhee (1974: PI. 22,i) as coming from his enigmatic "Norton" basal level at Kittigazuit (i.e. unit M-5). One other date from this level was derived from a mixed sample which included some sea mammal material, and was almost 400 years older (S-614). I find the present date more convincing since it is unmixed and derived solely from terrestrial material. It tends to undermine McGhee's suggestion of a Norton cultural affiliation for this level and is in fact a very acceptable date for the first Mackenzie Inuit occupation of Kittigazuit. S-3485 5360±140 BP (conventional) NkTm-8, Hutchison Bay Rangifer bone, spirally fractured (NkTm- 8:227). Collector: K. Swayze, 1992. Comment (K. Swayze): submitted to get a date on a buried component of the site believed to be Northern Archaic or ASTt. One of the few early sites in the Tuktoyaktuk region. Acceptable date; older than the original estimate but not out of the line for Northern Archaic (Swayze 1993). S-3486 6650±180 BP (conventional) NkTm-8, Hutchison Bay Rangifer bone (NkTm-8:230). Collector: K. Swayze, 1992. Comment (K. Swayze): submitted to get a date on a buried component of the site believed to be Northern Archaic or ASTt. One of the few early sites in the Tuktoyaktuk region. Acceptable date; older than the original estimate but not out of the line for Northern Archaic (Swayze 1993). ESKIMO LAKES RIDDL-547 500±90 BP NgTn-1, Saunatuk (AMS) Rangifer antler, worked; specimen NgTn-1:328. Collector: C. Arnold, 1985. RIDDL-556 970±100 BP NgTn-1, Saunatuk (AMS) Homo sapiens, rib. Collector: C. Arnold, 1985. RIDDL-549 <230 BP NgTn-1, Saunatuk (AMS) Rangifer astragalus; specimen NgTn-1:393. Collector: C. Arnold, 1985. General comments (C. Arnold): conventional 14C dates and stylistic comparisons with Kittigazuit suggest a date for this site in the order of about 500 years B.P. On that basis: - RIDDL-547 (500±90) conforms to expected age; - RIDDL-549 (modern) is too young; the site had been disturbed, but this artifact was excavated from intact deposits; -RIDDL-556 (970±100) appears to be too old. Inuit who consume sea mammals may have 14C from the maritime reservoir in their skeletons. One convention for correcting this error factor is to subtract 300 years (McGhee and Tuck 1976) from the dates provided by the laboratory. Doing so would bring this date in line with the assumed age of the site, i.e., AD 1350-1400 (Arnold 1990). S-3437 Modern (conventional) NhTn-1, Gutchiak Rangifer, composite bone. Collector: D. Morrison, 1991. Comment (D. Morrison): sample came from a depth of 20-40 cm below ground surface in a deep but unstratified site deposit, all of which is of precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. A modern date ("less than 100 years") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination. All three dates from different depths in the site are equally affected (Morrison and Swayze 1991). S-3438 Modern (conventional) NhTn-1, Gutchiak Rangifer, composite bone. Collector: D. Morrison, 1991. Comment (D. Morrison): sample came from a depth of 50-60 cm below ground surface in a deep but unstratified site deposit, all of which is of precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. A modern date ("less than 100 years") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination. All three dates from different depths in the site are equally affected (Morrison and Swayze 1991). S-3439 Modern (conventional) NhTn-1, Gutchiak Rangifer, composite bone. Collector: D. Morrison, 1991. Comment (D. Morrison): sample came from a depth of 0-20 cm below ground surface in a deep but unstratified site deposit, all of which is of precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. A modern date ("less than 100 years") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination. All three dates from different depths in the site are equally affected (Morrison and Swayze 1991). RIDDL-545 4360±100 BP NkTc-6 (AMS) Alces humerus, unmodified and partially mineralized, from a site located on the right bank of the mouth of the Anderson River, N.W.T. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1986. Comment R. Le Blanc): the specimen was recovered from a beach area, from what appears to be a submerged (i.e., slightly below sea level) deposit. It was associated with other faunal material and artifacts, the latter including a range of cobble spall tools, an anvil/hammerstone, a whale bone sled shoe, etc. Part of the assemblage suggest a Mackenzie Inuit occupation; the date and some of the material, however, implies mixture with artifacts representative of a considerably older occupation. More investigation will be required. MACKENZIE RIVER Beta-66410 1400±60 BP (CAMS-9263) (AMS) MhTq-1a Composite fish bones and scales (Coregoninae subfamily and Osteichthyes class)(MhTq-1a:48). Collector: L. Nolin, 1993. Comment (L. Nolin): the sample was collected at the surface of an hearth feature along with four pieces of debitage. The surface of the hearth was unhearthed in a stratified soil in a 9th buried humus layer at approximatively 50 cm below surface. Three different layers of cultural deposits were identified above the hearth feature in the test pit. Radiocarbon dating was carried out in order to date the cultural deposit apparently intact and to evaluate the rate of silt accumulation through the years on this 8-10 m terrace next to the confluence of Pierre Creek and the Mackenzie River. Date is perfectly acceptable (Nolin 1994). S-3441 less than 100 years BP (conventional) MhTq-1b Wood charcoal from the base of a basin-shaped hearth feature; at a depth of 40 cm below the surface of the active beach at the mouth of Pierre Creek. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the test pit which revealed this hearth was located less than 3 m from an ice scour from which lithic debitage and bifaces were recovered. It was anticipated that the hearth feature would date the lithic collection although no artifacts were actually associated with the hearth. The overburden is extremely fine Mackenzie River silt which should have reduced surface contimation. The date may thus be linked to more recent activities at this still frequented locality, or it may reflect a much more dynamic set of depositional circumstances which recently exposed the feature, led to contamination, and then reburied the hearth (Pilon 1992). Beta-7022 480±50 BP (conventional) MhTq-1b Burnt wood (35.8 g) (MhTq-1:2). Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1992. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): this sample is from the same hearth feature as the above date S-3441. This second sample confirms the recent nature of the hearth. However, the recovery of lithic bifaces in a nearby ice scour (Pilon 1992) as well as in situ debitage at the crest of the modern beach just a few metres away (Nolin 1994) clearly demonstrates the preservation conditions at this locality. S-3494 100 years BP (conventional) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Wood charcoal (5.13 g)(MiTr-1:222, 225, 226) from an hearth feature. Collector: M. Drapeau, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): this combined sample was collected in an prehistoric hearth feature excavated in level 6a and 6b (50-60 cm b.r.p.) of Area B-North. Debitage and large quantities of fish remains and small mammal bones were in association with the feature in a stratified context. A modern date ("less than 100 years BP") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination (Nolin 1993). S-3495 100 years BP (conventional) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Wood charcoal (28.94 g)(MiTr-1:668 Collector: J. Mooney, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): this sample was collected at the botom of an hearth feature unhearthed in level 14 (130-140 cm b.r.p.) of Area D-North. Many fire- altered rocks, charcoal bits, calcined bones, small mammal bones and fish bones were associated to this hearth. A single flake can possibly be associated with the feature. A modern date ("less than 100 years BP") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination (Nolin 1993). S-3496 100 years BP (conventional) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Wood charcoal (4.11 g)(MiTr-1:530, 531, 537) Collector: J. Mooney, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): this combined sample was collected in a fire-reddened soil (hearth) in level 13 (120-131 cm b.r.p.) of Area D-North. Calcined bones, fish bones, small mammal bones, a utilized flake and cortical shatter were associated to the hearth. A modern date ("less than 100 years BP") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination (Nolin 1993). S-3497 100 years BP (conventional) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Wood charcoal (6.20 g)(MiTr-1:467, 599, 537) Collector: B. Humen, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): this combined sample was collected in a fire-reddened soil (hearth) in level 17 (160-170 cm b.r.p.) of Trench D. Calcined and fresh bones, a bifacial tool and retouched flakes were associated with the hearth. A modern date ("less than 100 years BP") is impossible, and can only be the product of lab error or unidentified contamination (Nolin 1993). S-2841 360±95 BP (conventional) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Wood charcoal from an hearth feature. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1986. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): charcoal was collected from the third buried hearth found along the eroding bank of the terrace near Ghost Lake, just in front of the settlement of Arctic Red River. The first of this series of super-imposed hearth features was at a depth of about 1 m below surface. Thick bands of silt separated the features. These were characterized by thick lenses of oxidized sand/silt with myriads of fish remains and calcined bones associated with them. A blue seed bead was recovered from the charcoal sample, and would thus suggest a more recent age than that indicated by the date. The use of driftwood might be invoked to explain this discrepancy (Pilon 1987). Beta-62581 310±55 BP (ETH-10480) (AMS) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Composite sample of Lepus, Anatinae and uncertain class (MiTr-1:672a). Collector: J. Mooney, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): bones were collected in association with and hearth feature buried approximatively under 130 cm of silt in Cultural Layer B. Discovered during the first year of the excavation (1992), only a portion of the hearth was exposed in the few square metres reaching this depth. The hearth feature contained many fire-altered rocks and faunal remains and debitage was found at the edge of the feature. In 1993 we extended the excavation block in order to delimit the hearth feature. Cut bones, stone flakes and old trade glass beads were discovered in association with the hearth. The sample was submitted for radiocarbon dating to date the occupation and to evaluate the rate of silt accumulation through the years on the terrace. Date is perfectly acceptable (Nolin 1993). Beta-62583 890±55 BP (ETH-10482) (AMS) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Composite sample of Lepus, Ondrata, unidentified mammals and birds and uncertain classes (bird or small mammal)(MiTr-1:600a). Collector: R. Humen, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): bones were collected from the deeper layer of occupation (approx. 165 cm below surface) found in Trench D. The faunal remains were associated with a small bifacial tool, 3 retouched/utilized flakes, few pieces of debitage in association with a combustion area. Radiocarbon dating was carried out in order to date one of the two deepest cultural layer excavated on the site and to obtain another point of comparison to evaluate the rate of silt accumulation through the years on the terrace. Date is perfectly acceptable (Nolin 1993). Beta-66409 1100±50 BP (CAMS-9262) (AMS) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Composite sample of fish bones and scales (Osteichthyes class, Coregonus/Prosopium, Coregoninae subfamily and Esox lucius), unidentified mammal and bird and class uncertain (MiTr-1:851, 1019). Collector: L. Nolin and R. Carpenter, 1993. Comment (L. Nolin): bones were collected in a thin humus layer found in two adjacent excavation units at approximatively 160 cm below surface. This cultural layer was called Layer 7 in 1992. Because of the thinness characteristic of this cultural deposit it is difficult to be totally convinced about the spatial connection between the layer dated in 1992 (Beta- 62582) at 1375±55 BP, and the one excavated in 1993 which surrounds Layer 7 excavated in 1992. In the four units excavated in 1993, Cultural Layer 7 contained faunal remains, driftwood, dog scats, some fire-altered rocks, a piece of birch bark and a single stone flake. Radiocarbon dating was carried out in order to date one of the two deepest cultural layer excavated on the site and to obtain another point of comparison to evaluate the rate of silt accumulation through the years on the terrace. Date is perfectly acceptable (Nolin 1994). Beta-62582 1375±55 BP (ETH-10481) (AMS) MiTr-1, Tsiigehtchic Composite sample of fish bones and scales (Stenodus, Coregoninae, Lota, class uncertain), Lepus and class uncertain (MiTr-1:675b, 674c, 544b). Collector: J. Mooney, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): bones were collected in 1992 from two adjacent excavation units at approximatively 160 cm below surface. The faunal remains are the deepest cultural remains found on the site. They were associated with a cultural layer called Layer 7, composed of chipped driftwood and dog scats with no artifacts. Radiocarbon dating was carried out in order to date the oldest occupation layer on the site and to evaluate the rate of silt accumulation through the years on the terrace. Date is perfectly acceptable (Nolin 1994). It is interesting to note that the last four radiocarbon dates from Tsiigehtchic discussed previously appeared to be consistent and follow a stratigraphic order. RIDDL-322 4430±240 BP LgRk-1, Great Bear River (AMS) Rangifer metatarsal exhibiting butchering marks; specimen XI- C:538. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1953. RIDDL-323 3890±180 BP LgRk-1, Great Bear River (AMS) Rangifer tibia fragment exhibiting butchering marks; specimen XI-C:538. Collector: R.S. MacNeish, 1953. General comments (J. Cinq-Mars and D. Clark): the two specimens were part of a series of caribou bones found at the bottom of a small cache or storage pit, likely associated with a lithic assemblage labelled Great Bear River complex (MacNeish 1955:58). The RIDDL dates are apparently in agreement with earlier 14C determinations obtained by MacNeish (ibid., p.59 and 1964:325) on wood fragments lining the bottom of the pit. They serve to confirm the age of a somewhat poorly characterized complex (GBR) which, according to MacNeish (ibid.) belongs to the middle of a three-complex sequence (Franklin Tanks GBR - N.T. Docks) for the middle Mackenzie valley. It should be noted that the chronological precedence of the Franklin Tanks complex in this sequencce is only based on long distance stratigraphic correlations and tenuous typological comparisons. For all we know, the GBR complex could well represent the earliest phase. RIDDL-345 350±230 BP LdRq-2, Yellow Lake II (AMS) Calcined bone fragments from hearth. Collector: J. Cinq-Mars, 1972. Comment (J. Cinq-Mars): the material processed by the laboratory was found to contain litle collagen (E. Nelson written comm. December 23, 1986) and has unfortunately yielded a worthless reading. It was hoped that it would provide us with an age on a small lithic assemblage characterized by an extensive use of welded tuff (Cinq-Mars 1973) and by an unusual poorly-known blade technology associated with a variety of lanceolate points. From a techno-typological point of view, this assemblage bears no relationships with the known late prehistoric manifestations of the whole boreal northwest, nor can it be easily linked to the afore-mentioned middle Mackenzie valley sequence (see comments by Cinq-Mars and Clark on RIDDL-322 and 323). ANDERSON PLAIN RIDDL-551 230±100 BP MkTm-7 (AMS) Rangifer long bone splinter; specimen MkTm-7:30. Collector: D. Morrison, 1984. RIDDL-552 160±90 MkTm-3 (AMS) Rangifer radius/ulna fragment; specimen MkTm-3: 10. Collector: D.Morrison, 1984. RIDDL-553 290±90 BP MkTn-4 (AMS) Rangifer radius/ulna fragment; specimen MkTn-4:2. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1985. RIDDL-554 <210 BP MlTj-3 (AMS) Rangifer long bone splinter; specimen MlTj-3:8. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1986. RIDDL-555 <150 BP MlTj-3 (AMS) Rangifer long bone splinter; specimen selected from faunal material recovered in Test pit 12. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1986. General comments (J.-L. Pilon): these five caribou bone samples (RIDDL-551-555), obtained from the southwest Anderson Plain region (N.W.T.), were submitted for radiocarbon dating in order to ascertain the length of time before which fresh (i.e. non-charred and non-calcined) large mammal bone was affected by the reputed acidic soils of the boreal forest. The samples were taken from sites where the bone had been simply discarded on the surface and slowly incorporated into the sod/humus. The two MlTj-3 dates were selected in order to verify the relation between an apparent bone disposal feature and a nearby living area. They also serve to confirm the lateness of the occupation which had been suggested by the recovery of an unidentified scrap of ferrous metal along with numerous stone and bone artifacts. These five AMS dates suggest that fresh mammal bone can persist for up to 300 years without significant alteration. However, additional conventional dates on wood taken from collapsed semi-subterranean dwellings where bone was found in buried contexts indicate that fresh bone can persist with little change for at least 600 years under specific burial conditions. S-3498 less than 100 years BP (conventional) MjTp-3, Area C Rangifer-Alces and unidentified composite mammal bones (MjTp-3:277, 285)(100.48 g). Collector: L. Nolin and M. Jackson, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): both sample were found in a humus layer. Sample #277 was collected inside the limits of a depression in association with fish remains, debitage, a side-scraper and fire-altered rocks. Sample #285 was collected slightly outside of the depression in association with fish and mammal bones and debitage. The last sample was combined with the first to increase the weight of the sample. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to date the depression or perhaps a later occupation of the area. Its modern radiocarbon age is possibly resulting from the stratigraphic position (humus) of the sample which would expose it to greater potential contamination from the surface (Nolin 1993). Beta-62580 1580±60 BP (ETH-10479) (AMS) MjTp-3, Area C Composite fish bones (MjTp-3:213, 216). Collector: L. Nolin, 1992. Comment (L. Nolin): bones were found in a depression of a semi-subterranean feature inside of a reworked gravelly soil. Pieces of birch bark and debitage were in association with the fish bones. Radiocarbon dating was carried out to date the feature. We were expecting a relatively old age of this house because of the resorption of the hearth berm which is usually surrounding these features. Date is perfectly acceptable. It is actually the oldest semi-subterranean feature radiocarbon dated for the Mackenzie Valley- Anderson Plain region (Nolin 1993). Beta-66408 740±70 BP (conventional) MlTk-23 Unburned wood fragment believed to be from a roof pole of a semi-subterranean structure. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1993. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the structure from which the sample was gathered appeared, from the surface, as quite filled in with barely visible lateral berms. These surface indications suggested a considerable antiquity. The sample was therefore gathered in order to increase the strength of the corrolation between surface conditions of the late prehistoric semi-subterranean structure and its age. The relationship in this case seemed reasonable (Pilon 1994). Beta-66412 210±60 BP (conventional) NbTk-6, Ge'atat dilee Unburned wood fragment believed to be from a roof pole of a semi-subterranean structure. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1993. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the structure from which the sample was gathered appeared, from the surface, as moderately filled in with visible lateral berms. Of the three semi-subterranean structures at this site, it appeared as the middle one, if surface conditions were truly indicative of relative age. Unfortunately, its radiocarbon age is virtually identical to the C-14 age obtained from charcoal deposits underlying berm deposits of the structure presumed, from surface indications, to be the oldest of the three structures at this site (Pilon 1994). Beta-66413 210±90 BP (conventional) NbTk-6, Ge'atat dilee Wood charcoal found under lateral berm deposits of a semi-subterranean structure. Collector: J.- L. Pilon, 1993. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the structure from which the sample was gathered appeared, from the surface, as the most filled in of the three semi- subterranean structures of this site. Lateral berms were still visible, but an adze-cut stump was located near the end of the central depression, suggesting an antiquity greater than the other two structures. However, its radiocarbon age is virtually identical to the C-14 age obtained from the structure thought to be, chronologically, of intermediate age, judging from surface indications. Wood, presumably from a roof pole was also collected from the youngest looking of the three structures from this site, but given its presumed age of less than 200 years, and the high proportion of rootlets in the sample, it was not dated (Pilon 1994). S-3362 820±70 BP (conventional) NbTj-9 Wood charcoal sample, collected from a large hearth feature surrounded by lithic remains attributed to the Arctic Small Tool tradition. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1990. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): this sample, quite obviously not dating the ASTt presence, was taken from below fire-cracked rocks, and within a layer of fire- reddened mineral soil. However, the site matrix was quite coarse and frequently exposed by caribou who had a trail crossing the hearth feature. Moreover, the thin surface vegetation of caribou moss often became dry and brittle following periods of little or no rainfall, thus exposing the surface of the hearth to contamination from more recent carbon sources (Pilon 1991). S-3378 less than 100 years BP (conventional) NbTj-9 Small wood charcoal (about 1.0 g) sample (NbTj-9:101), collected from a large hearth feature surrounded by lithic remains attributed to the Arctic Small Tool tradition. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1990. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): this sample is rejected for the same reasons as S-3362 (Pilon 1991). S-3363 2650±80 BP (conventional) NbTj-8, Verna Mae Firth Site Wood charcoal (NbTj-8:313) collected from the Arctic Small Tool tradition hearth fill in Units I.J- 11,13 of Structure No. 1. Collector: V.M. Firth, 1988. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the sample is the second from this same feature for which an earlier date of 3390±255 BP (S-3000) was obtained. This second sample, obtained from higher up in the feature, was submitted in order to corroborate the first date. Its younger radiocarbon age is thought to reflect its stratigraphic position which would expose it to greater potential contamination from the surface (Pilon 1989). S-3377 3470±430 BP (conventional) NbTj-17 Wood charcoal sample (NbTj-17:58) obtained from the base of a small circular Arctic Small Tool tradition feature. Collector: J.-L. Pilon, 1990. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the date, in spite of a large error value, is quite consistent with the lithic assemblage which surrounded the hearth and the date of 3390±255 BP (S-3000) obtained from a similar component at NbTj-8. Like at NbTj-8, and in opposition to NbTj-9, the site matrix was quite fine and apparently reduced the downward percolation of more recent carbon. Such contamination is evident at NbTj-9 and suspected for the second sample at NbTj-8 (Pilon 1991). S-3440 less than 100 years BP (conventional) MlTk-16 Wood charcoal (MlTk-16:8). Collector: L. Nolin, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): this charcoal sample was taken from a combustion area (Hearth No. 1) near the centre of a presumed circular, late prehistoric/early historic Gwich'in tent feature. Only lithic artifacts were found along with limited faunal remains (Pilon 1992; Nolin 1992). Beta-51301 modern (ETH-9417) (AMS) MlTk-16 Unburned probable Rangifer scapula fragment (MlTk-16:17). Collector: R. Humen, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the sample was associated with Hearth No. 2, found within the limits of a presumed circular, late prehistoric/early historic Gwich'in tent feature. However, in addition to faunal remains, there was lithic debitage associated with the combustion feature. A late prehistoric or early historic age was expected (Pilon 1992; Nolin 1992). Beta-51302 380±50 BP (ETH-9418) (AMS) MlTk-2 (East Point), Vidiitshuu Leetak Weathered, unburned, large mammal bone fragment (MlTk-2:206). Collector: M. Jackson, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): the unburned sample was collected near an area which yielded a well-defined Arctic Small Tool tradition (ASTt) component. Both calcined and unburned faunal remains were recovered, but there lacked a clearly-defined hearth feature. The weathering of the bone's surface suggested some antiquity, and so the decision to submit the specimen for dating was made in spite of clear indications of post-ASTt use of the general area, and the fact that no unburned bone from this region had yet been dated to beyond a few centuries. The result confirms the more recent deposition of the specimen (Pilon 1992; Nolin 1992). S-3442 1310±290 BP (conventional) MlTk-2 (Structure No.2, Area A), Vidiitshuu Leetak Wood charcoal (3.9 g) collected from the first buried hearth (18 cm b.s.) identified in Area A near Structure No.2. Collector: M. Jackson, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): test Area A was located immediately east of Structure No. 2 which had been previously tested in 1987. It was thought that possible evidence of exterior activities areas would be encountered. This radiocarbon estimate exceeds the date of 265±90 BP (S-2937) obtained from a roof pole collected during the 1987 excavations. It therefore indicates an earlier occupation, not apparently linked to the semi-subterranean feature (Pilon 1992; Nolin 1992). S-3443 770±470 BP (conventional) MlTk-2 (Structure No. 2, Area A), Vidiitshuu Leetak Wood charchoal (2.19 g) collected from the second buried hearth (21 cm b.s.) identified in Area A near Structure No. 2. Collector: M. Jackson, 1991. Comment (J.-L. Pilon): like S-3442, this sample indicates an age significantly older than that obtained for the roof pole recovered from the nearby semi-subterranean structure in 1987. However, this date is more recent that an overlying and partially overlapping hearth feature. The possibility of field mixing can virtually be eliminated. This sample could represent a burned root (Pilon 1992; Nolin 1992). CAPE BATHURST PENINSULA RIDDL-321 5230±200 BP ObRw-1 (AMS) Bison sp. metacarpal, distal end fragment. Collector: R. McGhee, 1982. Comment (R. McGhee): recovered from a deposit located five kilometers east of Star Harbour on the north shore of Harrowby Bay, this specimen falls within the size range of B. crassicornis, but cannot be identified to species (identification by R. Harington, Nov. 19 1984). It was recovered from a caribou kill site which yielded large quantities of caribou bones, fire-cracked rocks, flaked stone detritus, but no artifacts diagnostic of cultural affiliation. The date is relatively late for bison on the Arctic coast, but should be compared to a date of 1810±90 BP (I-5407) obtained by Harington from a bison horn core from Baillie Island, approximately 40km to the north of this site. The date is tentatively accepted. (J. CinqMars): more recently, a culturally-altered bison skull has been found in a late prehistoric (likely Inuit)archaeological context (Le Blanc 1988), on the old channel of the Horton River, to the southeast of ObRw-1. Identified by R. Harington (pers. comm. 1990) as Bison bison athapaskae, it has yielded an age of 420±65 B.P. (Beta-28765; ETH-4761). RIDDL-364 3110±180 BP ObRw-1 (AMS) Rangifer, long bone fragment. Collector: R. McGhee, 1982. Comment (R. McGhee): found in the same deposit as that described above, the sample was submitted as a ckeck on the bison bone date (RIDDL-321). Although the date is approximately 2000 years more recent than the latter, the archaeological site may well have been used sporadically over such a period of time. The date is tentatively accepted. AECV-109C 3880±80 BP (conventional) ObRw-1, Qugyuk site Rangifer bone, composite from level 3 (arbitrary; 20-30 cm below surface), from adjacent 1 x 1 m units (S9W64 and S9W65), in the upper area excavations. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1992. Comment (R. Le Blanc): specimen comes from upper part of the cultural deposits and should date the ASTt component at the site. It may also overlap with the Northwest Microblade tradition expression at the site (Le Blanc 1993). AECV-1710C 3980±80 BP (conventional) ObRw-1, Qugyuk site Rangifer bone, from level 3 (arbitrary, 20-30 cm below surface), S18W61. This sample is from the bank-edge units. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1992. Comment (R. Le Blanc): specimen comes from the upper part of the cultural deposits and should date the ASTt component at the site. It may also overlap with the Northwest Microblade tradition expression at the site (Le Blanc 1993). AECV-1711C 4100±90 BP (conventional) ObRw-1, Qugyuk site Rangifer bone, from level 5 (arbitrary, 40-50 cm below surface), S10W65, from the upper area excavation. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1992. Comment (R. Le Blanc): sample comes from the lower levels and should date the Northwest Microblade occupation at the site (Le Blanc 1993). AECV-1712C 3950±80 BP (conventional) ObRw-1, Qugyuk site Rangifer bone, from level 5 (arbitrary, 40-50 cm below surface), S21W63, from the bank-edge excavation. Collector: D. Link, 1992. Comment (R. Le Blanc): sample comes from the lower levels and should date the Northwest Microblade occupation at the site (Le Blanc 1993). AECV-1713C 4280±90 BP (conventional) ObRw-1, Qugyuk site Rangifer bone, from level 6 (arbitrary, 50-60 cm below surface), S19W61, from the bank-edge excavation. Collector: G. Miller, 1992. Comment (R. Le Blanc): sample comes from the lower levels and should date the Northwest Microblade occupation occupation at the site (Le Blanc 1993). RIDDL-546 3160±80 BP ObRw-3 (AMS) Rangifer humerus, from a site located on the north shore of Harrowby Bay, approximately 1.8km east of the mouth of North Star Harbour, Cape Bathurst Peninsula, N.W.T. Collector: R. Le Blanc,1986. Comment (R. Le Blanc): the dated specimen was recovered from a cultural layer in an eroding terrace face which overlooks Harrowby Bay. No distinctive tools were found which could indicate cultural affiliation, but the date and evidence from just upstream on the Old Horton River Channel (Le Blanc, field notes, 1987) suggest a possible ASTt presence. Beta-62583 5610±65 BP ETH-10482 (AMS) ObRw-11 Rangifer bone from 5 cm below surface. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1987. Comment (R. Le Blanc): this sample was associated with a buried hearth feature around which materials ascribed to the early ASTt were recovered (Le Blanc 1991:73). An earlier AMS date on this same specimen yielded an uncorrected date of 5690±60 (TO- 1564). The present result confirms the antiquity of this specimen, but is inconsistent with any known ASTt occupation anywhere in the Arctic. It would thus appear to indicate some earlier activity at this locality. Beta-62585 3670±70 BP (conventional) ObRw-11 Rangifer antler from 5 cm below surface. Collector: R.J. Le Blanc, 1987. Comment (R. Le Blanc): the context of this specimen is the same as Beta-62584, above. In contrast to this other date, the present date accords quite well with the known temporal range of the early ASTt in the Western Arctic, and is thus accepted as the age of the ASTt component as this locality. RIDDL-543 260±100 BP NlRu-1, Iglulualuit (AMS) Rangifer, antler tool fragment. Collector: R. Le Blanc, 1986. Comment (D.Morrison): the dated artifact is not very diagnostic and is the only object recovered from Le Blanc's (1987) House 12. A small collection made by R.M. Anderson around 1912 as well as material excavated in 1987 in the context of the NOGAP archaeology project do support a late prehistoric date for the site (Morrison 1990:107), thus making this date perfectly acceptable. S-3004 190±70 BP (conventional) NlRv-1, Iglulualuit Rangifer, composite bone Collector: D. Morrison, 1987. Comment (D. Morrison): sample comes from within House 11, and has a precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. Date is perfectly acceptable and agrees well with the other date from House 11 (S- 3003)(Morrison 1990). S-3003 250±205 BP (conventional) NiRv-1, Iglulualuit Rangifer, composite bone Collector: D.Morrison, 1987. Comment (D. Morrison): sample comes from within House 11, and has a precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. Date is perfectly acceptable and agrees well with the other date from House 11 (S-3004)(Morrison 1990). S-2948 540±70 BP (conventional) NiRv-1, Iglulualuit Rangifer bone. Collector: D. Morrison, 1987. Comment (D. Morrison): sample comes from within House 20, and has a precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. Date is perfectly acceptable and agrees well with the two other dates from House 20 (S-3002)(Morrison 1990). S-2947 480±70 BP (conventional) NiRv-1, Iglulualuit Rangifer, composite bone Collector: D. Morrison, 1987. Comment (D. Morrison): sample comes from within House 20, and has a precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. Date is perfectly acceptable and agrees well with the two other dates from House 20 (S- 2948 and S-3002)(Morrison 1990). S-3002 430±210 BP (conventional) NiRv-1, Iglulualuit Rangifer, single bone Collector: D. Morrison, 1987. Comment (D. Morrison): sample comes from within House 20, and has a precontact Inuvialuit cultural affiliation. Date is perfectly acceptable and agrees well with the two other dates from House 20 (S- 2947 and S-2948)(Morrison 1990). DEVON ISLAND RIDDL-324 560±160 BP QdJb-3, Maxwell Bay (AMS) Rangifer antler, worked; specimen QdJb-3:20. Collector: Harwood,1936(?). Comment (P. Sutherland): the Maxwell Bay site was first reported in 1936 when a small collection of Dorset and Thule artifacts was donated to the National Museum. Its precise location on the southwest coast of Devon Island was recorded during a NOGAP survey in 1985. A number of harpoon heads from the 1936 collection have been cited previously as indicating a very early Thule occupation for this site. The radiocarbon date of 560±160 on an antler handle from the collection suggests a Classic Thule occupation for this winter settlement. There is no reason to question this date because of the stylistic evidence suggesting an earlier occupation. Houses in Thule villages were often reinhabited. RIDDL-325 1930±200 BP QdJb-I (AMS) Long bone splinter; specimen QdJb-1:40. Collector: P. Sutherland, 1985. Comment (P. Sutherland): this radiocarbon date on land mammal bone places one of the Palaeo-Eskimo occupations at the site of Fellfoot Point in Middle Dorset times. Middle Dorset culture is not well represented in the High Arctic and, in general, we know relatively little about this period in the Dorset cultural continuum. For these reasons, the presence of a Middle Dorset occupation on the southwest coast of Devon Island is significant. Late Dorset culture is also represented at Fellfoot Point and evidence for earlier Palaeo-Eskimo occupation was found in the vicinity in 1985. REFERENCES CITED Arnold, C.D. 1990 Archaeological investigations at Saunatuk. Manuscript on file at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Yellowknife. 1991 1989 Activities of the Mackenzie Delta Heritage Project. Manuscript on file (No. 3428), Document Collection, Library, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull. Cinq-Mars, J. 1973 An archaeologically important raw material from the Tertiary Hills, Western District of Mackenzie, Northwest Territories: a preliminary statement. In Preliminary Archaeological Study, Mackenzie Corridor, ed. by J. Cinq-Mars, pp.El-E29. 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