Testing the waters: intertidal zone archaeology at the Beaches site (DeAk-01)

Abstract

The Beaches (DeAk-01) is a multicomponent archaeological site that is situated in southwestern Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador. The site preserves evidence of the Maritime Archaic who were the first inhabitants on the Island of Newfoundland. Earlier excavations discovered that the anthropogenic horizon which holds information of their settlement and lifeways is under a blanket of peat. However, the Maritime Archaic archaeological evidence is compromised because of erosion due to rising sea levels, and it is frequented by collectors. This project examined the intertidal zone to re-assess the Maritime Archaic and peat horizons using three different survey techniques: core sampling, test pitting and the use of a cofferdam. Anthropogenic and peat horizons were identified, however the integrity and extent of the peat, and in-situ Maritime Archaic archaeological deposits were demonstrated to be at risk of destruction. It is recommended here that the Maritime Archaic component at the Beaches site be revisited before all cultural and geographic context is lost.