A chip off the old block: investigations of a Maritime Archaic lithic workshop/quarry site in Big Brook (EjBa-2), northwestern Newfoundland

Abstract

The following is a discussion of a Maritime Archaic Indian workshop /quarry site in Big Brook, Northwestern Newfoundland. It begins with an overview of the Maritime Archaic focussing on Southern Branch culture in Newfoundland and southern Labrador. The Late Archaic /Intermediate Indian period of the same region is also discussed. This discussion is followed by an overview of the Big Brook 2 site (EjBa-2) including descriptions of the excavation and artifacts. These descriptions illustrate a site characterized by a large lithic scatter and extensive burning. Discussion will then lead to a particular chert found on the site. Mention will be made of source areas in the area adjacent to the site. The distribution of this raw material is demonstrated along the Strait of Belle Isle. Finally, the Late/Archaic Intermediate Indian period in Newfoundland and southern Labrador along the Strait of Belle Isle is discussed.