The Maritime Archaic of far northeastern Canada are best known for their elaborate mortuary traditions and large longhouses; however, there is a great deal we have yet to discover about the social dynamics that led to those cultural constructs. Recent research has demonstrated that they were not a monolithic cultural tradition on a linear trajectory from egalitarianism to increasing social complexity, but were perhaps more pluralistic. This presentation will discuss recent research on this issue and raise questions concerning possible directions that future research can take to better understand the dynamics of social change within Maritime Archaic society.
Christopher B. Wolff de State University of New York, Plattsburgh
image : Stephen Hull, Provincial Archeology Office, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
