Date of Award

1977

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Anthropology

Supervisor

W.C. Noble

Language

English

Abstract

This thesis represents the analysis of the Walker site, a large 10 acre, non-palisaded Neutral Iroquois town occupied circa 1640 A.D. Walker provides a comparative baseline for the study of the Neutral Iroquois, as well as, demonstrating trends and relationships extant during the late part of the Neutral sequence. The analysis also provides needed definitional refinement to the terminal period of Neutral development.

Twelve longhouse structures are analysed and reveal settlement pattern configurations that are unique to the historic Neutral. The analysis of the Walker artifact inventory includes both aboriginal remains and the abundant European (French) trade items. Historic Neutral subsistence patterns are largely defined on the basis of the Walker data, and burial practices of the historic Neutral are clarified by the Walker analysis.

In addition to the archeological analysis an attempt is made to demonstrate the historic significance of the Walker town. Specifically it is proposed that walker represents the capital village of the Neutral confederacy, shortly before their dispersal by the League Iroquois in 1650-51. Further, it is argues that Walker represents the main Jesuit mission to the Neutral, established by Fathers Jean de Brebeuf and Joseph Chaumanot in 1640-41.

McMaster University Library


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