Hearth and home of the Paleo-Eskimos
Author(s): Ulla Odgaard
Year: 2003
Summary
This article offers a methodological approach to study hearth features in general. The hearths of the Paleo-Eskimo tradition are often well preserved, which makes it possible to interpret which heating processes took place and their effects on the indoor climate of the dwelling. To obtain this type of information, recording of fire-cracked rocks within and in connection to hearths is of special importance. The Paleo-Eskimos made use of a versatile pyro-technology, adjustable to the most extreme conditions in areas where access to firewood was limited. An archaeological experiment in combination with calculations of hypothetical combustion of fat show that it was possible for the Independence I people to live through the High Arctic winter in tents with a reasonable degree of comfort. Also, the symbolic aspects of hearths are discussed.
Cite this Record
Hearth and home of the Paleo-Eskimos. Ulla Odgaard. Études/Inuit/Studies. 27 (1-2): 349-374. 2003 ( tDAR id: 422198)
URL: http://www.fss.ulaval.ca/etudes-inuit-studies
Keywords
General
Fire Place
Geographic Keywords
Greenland
Temporal Keywords
Chalcolithic
•
Mesolithic
•
Neolithic
•
Palaeolithic
Spatial Coverage
min long: -73.054; min lat: 59.79 ; max long: -12.158; max lat: 83.604 ;
Individual & Institutional Roles
Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager
Record Identifiers
ExArc Id(s): 8711
Notes
Rights & Attribution: The information in this record was originally compiled by Dr. Roeland Paardekooper, EXARC Director.