Pre-contact ecology, subsistence and diet on the Yukon-Kushokwim Delta : an integrated ecosystem approach to pre-contact Arctic lifeways using zooarchaeological analysis and stable isotope techniques
This thesis explores the ecology of a pre-contact Western Alaskan faunal assemblage, through a combination of zooarchaeological and stable isotope techniques. The permafrost-preserved assemblage was excavated in 2009/10 at Nunalleq (c. AD 1350-1700) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta by the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with Qanirtuuq Inc. and the Native village of Quinhagak. Zooarchaeological analysis was conducted to identify the species present at Nunalleq. Analysis of butchery marks suggested patterns of human utilization of faunal resources and data on the age profile of the assemblage provided information on the seasonality of hunting and site occupation. A wide range of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species was observed, with pinnipeds, dogs and caribou particularly frequent. Subsequently, stable isotope analysis (ÎŽ13C, ÎŽ15N and ÎŽ34S) was carried out on 20 species identified at Nunalleq. The application of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis enabled investigation of the diets and habitats of the various species and their relative positions in the food-web. These data were compared with data from contemporaneous Alaskan sites and modern studies, allowing investigation of diachronic and
McManus-Fry, Ellen Teresa
Paleoecology ; Animal remains (Archaeology) ; Carbon ; Nitrogen
Pre-contact ecology, subsistence and diet on the Yukon-Kushokwim Delta : an integrated ecosystem approach to pre-contact Arctic lifeways using zooarchaeological analysis and stable isotope techniques. This thesis explores the ecology of a pre-contact Western Alaskan faunal assemblage, through a combination of zooarchaeological and stable isotope techniques. The permafrost-preserved assemblage was excavated in 2009/10 at Nunalleq (c. AD 1350-1700) on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta by the University of Aberdeen, in collaboration with Qanirtuuq Inc. and the Native village of Quinhagak. Zooarchaeological analysis was conducted to identify the species present at Nunalleq. Analysis of butchery marks suggested patterns of human utilization of faunal resources and data on the age profile of the assemblage provided information on the seasonality of hunting and site occupation. A wide range of marine, freshwater and terrestrial species was observed, with pinnipeds, dogs and caribou particularly frequent. Subsequently, stable isotope analysis (ÎŽ13C, ÎŽ15N and ÎŽ34S) was carried out on 20 species identified at Nunalleq. The application of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis enabled investigation of the diets and habitats of the various species and their relative positions in the food-web. These data were compared with data from contemporaneous Alaskan sites and modern studies, allowing investigation of diachronic and
pre contact ecology subsistence diet delta integrated ecosystem pre contact arctic lifeways use zooarchaeological_analysis stable_isotope technique explores ecology pre contact western faunal_assemblage combination zooarchaeological stable_isotope technique preserved assemblage excavate delta university aberdeen collaboration native village zooarchaeological_analysis conduct identify specie present analysis butchery mark suggest pattern human utilization faunal resource data age profile assemblage provide_information seasonality hunt site occupation wide_range marine freshwater terrestrial specie observe dog particularly frequent subsequently stable_isotope analysis_carry specie identify application carbon_nitrogen isotope_analysis enable investigation diet various specie relative position food web data_compare data contemporaneous sit modern study allow investigation diachronic