Robert's Cove I (DjAv-05) : a transitional recent Indian site on the northeast coast of Newfoundland

Abstract

Robert's Cove I (DjAv-05) is a transitional Beaches/Little Passage site located approximately 1km across the harbour from the town of Triton in Notre Dame Bay. The site was originally discovered in 1987 by archaeologists Ingeborg Marshall and Marianne Stopp who were surveying the area with archaeologist Gerald Penney. During the 2007 excavation of DjAv-05, which took place from June to August, 66 square meters were excavated, mapped and photographed and 70 artifacts and 3,151 pieces of debitage were recovered. Excavation and analysis of the site focused on dating the site, determining the length of time which the site had been used by the Recent Indians and what activities were occurring here. -- Analysis of the data indicated that the site was used by a Recent Indian group between 780 and 980 AD and that in all probability it was a short duration specialized exploitation camp occupied during warmer weather. In addition to the early dates, examination and comparison of the lithics from DjAv-05 with Beaches and Little Passage assemblages from the island indicate that the site was produced during a transitional period between these Recent Indian cultures. Furthermore, an examination of Beaches and Little Passage sites on the island suggest that the Northeast coast region, where DjAv-05 is located, was of particular importance to both populations.