The lives and cultures of indigenous peoples in the Americas was a richly diverse one, with differences between tribes as varied as would be between one tribe and a white person. Life in the great northern forests presented their own challenges.
The McCollum Cache was an archaeological discovery at Lake Nipigon in northern Ontario, with a wealth of copper artifacts four thousand years old found. Some of them are displayed here.
The Far North presented serious challenges that successive waves of indigenous peoples had to deal with. They would disappear into history before the current inhabitants of the region, the Inuit, came to live there.
The Dorset left a cultural legacy of effigies hinting at a deep spirituality rooted in nature.
A Dorset ivory carving is a priceless artifact, one of the oldest depictions of a human being in North America.
A look ahead.
The Eastern Woodlands tribes thrived, developing over time.
Some of their tools and weapons are seen here- either period or replica.
So many original artifacts on display from Lake Nipigon
ReplyDeleteIt was quite a find.
DeleteFascinating. The grumpy faces, one looks tattooed like Aborigines. Dorset is a strange name for ancients in an area where Europeans are not from.
ReplyDeleteWe have no idea what they called themselves. The name is derived from Cape Dorset in the North.
DeleteI think you make the important point that the various indigenous people are different from each other in many ways, often shaped by the land they occupied.
ReplyDeleteThat's important to remember.
DeleteVery interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteA great display of artifacts, thanks for sharing this exhibit. Take care, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteI love how the creativity and artistry of the people shine through!
ReplyDeleteMe too.
Delete...diversity is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteVery interesting part of this exhibition and photo 13 also gives a nice overview.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteIt is good that those artifacts are somewhere that they will be safe and last for many years ahead.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteThat face carving is pretty amazing.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteI am impressed with the face carving.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteI'd not heard of the copper finds. Thanks for noting them!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
DeleteLots of beautiful artifacts.
ReplyDeleteThere are.
DeleteBeautiful carvings ~ such history ~ and talent too ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you.
DeleteLa diversidad de cultura y una buena comunicación entre ellas, enriquece la vida del género humano.
ReplyDeleteFeliz fin de semana.
Thanks!
DeleteThe displays are so visually striking. Such a lot of precious treasures from the past.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteI may be wrong about this but it strikes me that Canadians are far more cognizant of their indigenous communities that Americans are about Native Americans -- whom I guess are also indigenous but the names have changed so many times, no one knows what to call anyone anymore -- except not Indians.
ReplyDeleteWe have our own problematic past that we're working to make up for.
Delete