Date of Award

1980

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

Supervisor

W.C. Noble

Language

English

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to initiate a detailed understanding of the culture history of the Nipissing Indians. To do so, a description, analysis, and interpretation of three stratified sites, Campbell Bay, Frank Ridley, and Frank Bay, is presented. Generally speaking, the material culture retrieved spans 5000 years of prehistory and is characterized by a number of imported exotic and utilitarian items, as well as, locally manufactured goods. It is suggested that the one theme which permeated this cultural tradition was the inherent mobility and exchange of goods and ideas that took place between the Nipissings and her allies. Specifically, the "middleman role" that characterized the Nipissings during the early Contact period is seen as an amplification of an existing traditional exchange system based on reciprocity. Changes in the direction and magnitude the exchange system are considered particularly as itapplies to the inception and proliferation of prehistoric trade based on horticultural products.

McMaster University Library


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