Abstracts
Abstract
This paper explores the nature and causes of geographical and temporal variation in the architectural remains of Palaeo-Eskimo occupation in the High Arctic. It is suggested that much of the variability in the architectural record relates to local and situational factors rather than to cultural prescription. Three structural features — the box-hearth, midpassage and longhouse — are selected as representing a complex of elements with broad geographical and temporal distribution, and which may have had symbolic meaning related to Palaeo-Eskimo society and worldview. Changes in the form and distribution of these features are summarized, and the degree to which these variations may reflect social processes and historical events is examined.
Résumé
Cet article explore la nature et les causes de la variation géographique et temporelle des vestiges architecturaux des occupations paléoesquimaudes dans le Haut Arctique canadien. Une grande partie de cette variabilité architecturale serait due à des facteurs locaux et situationnels plutôt qu'à une prescription culturelle. Trois traits structuraux — le foyer en forme de boîte, l'aménagement axial et la maison longue — sont ici sélectionnés comme représentant un complexe d'éléments largement distribué géographiquement et temporellement, ayant possiblement eu une signification symbolique liée à la société paléoesquimaude et à sa vision du monde. Les changements dans la forme et la distribution de ces traits sont résumés. Le degré de variation pouvant refléter des processus sociaux et des événements historiques est aussi examiné.
Appendices
References
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