Maritime Archaic & Red Ochre

                        5267 years before the birth of Christ on the coast of Labrador, beneath a large flat stone, wrapped in furs and birch-bark and dusted with red-ochre a twelve-year old boy’s remains were placed. Undisturbed for more than 7500 years, in 1973 a group of archeological students from Memorial University, Newfoundland made the discovery.

            A small mound covered with rounded rocks gathered from the nearby beaches covered the remains of what archeologists estimate to be a Maritime Archaic Indian boy who was approximately twelve years old at the time of his death seventy-five centuries ago.

            Other similar sites found would indicate this site and boy were not typical and could possibly indicate that this site was of ritualistic importance. Red-Ochre and the solitary location would indicate that thought or possibility.

            With most of the coast of Labrador being either cliffs or rocky shores the sandy beaches provided evidence that these short, sturdy people hunted walrus, seals, fished and gathered the eggs of sea birds nesting on rocky outcrops. To this day in 2004 the Maritime Archaic Indians are the oldest human remains found in the New World.

            This site is marked with a small bronze plaque describing the discovery and it’s significances.

            Between this Labrador site and another, lies only the Straight of Labrador.

Slightly more than 1000 years ago at Lanse Aux Meadows Newfoundland Norsemen landed and stayed briefly while exploring the Maritime coastal waters.

Viking Leif Eriksson constructed sod roofed longhouses and a ‘smithy’ type of rough forge for the making of, nails and fasteners from "bog ore" for ship repairs and construction.

This site said to be discovered by Norwegians Helge & Anne StineInstad was initially showed to them by a local man named George Decker.( Mr. Decker, should he be noted as the discoveror?) Many Viking artifacts have been found at this site and it is now displayed as a replicated Viking Settlement and under the supervision of Parks Canada and designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

            The entire photographic exhibit is on display from the private collection of Helge & Anne StineInstad and is marked with a bronze statue of the two Norwegians as you enter the grounds and Visitor Center.

            At Lanse Aux Meadows and at the time of the arrival of the Norsemen, the area would have been inhabited by, Beaothuk First Nation people. Red Ochre was used in great proportions by these coastal inhabitants as they, liberally covered their entire body with the Red pigment of Ochre. As a result of this unusual discovery by European explorers, all North American First Nations people were referred to as Red Indians. But this was not the actual case as the Beaothuk of Newfoundland were the only known Native people who applied this practice within their beliefs. Other first nation peoples used Red Ochre but not to the extent of the Beaothuk who mixed the pigment with oil so as to cover their entire body in an annual ritual. This practice is also thought to be protection against the elements and insects of the Labrador.

Although Red Ochre has been documented as being used as a ceremonial or sacred decoration throughout North America. Ochre of various shades of yellow to red is found throughout the continent but not in the area of the discovered remains. Small deposits have been discovered in Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick; which would possibly indicate that trade of this pigment was common among the Mik Mac, Malicite and Beothuk First Nations.

"Beothuk originated from the language spoken by a Dorset group that migrated onto Newfoundland. These migrants occupied the region long enough to develop their own unique language.

The Beothuk were a hunting, fishing, and gathering culture. They lived a nomadic existence travelling between coastal and interior camps. The Innu of Labrador and the Beothuk traded lithic materials, a stone from which tools were made, and maybe even marriage partners.

The annual caribou hunt brought Beothuk bands together in a communal effort. This event was also a social gathering where competitive adult games and gambling were part of the festivities. The bands also engaged in music and dance, and they used the time re-establish social bonds.

Beothuks adorned themselves with red ochre. The red paint acted as an insect repellent, had religious significance and was also a cosmetic. Ochre was also used as a decoration for household goods and clothing. Beothuks wore a mantle and moccasins, which were made of caribou hide and fur, and leggings, mittens, and arm-coverings in the winter season. Evidence of Palaeo-Eskimo burials has only been found in Newfoundland where human remains have been located in the crevices of limestone cliffs. Great care was involved in preparing the individual for burial. In the Beothuk burial ceremony, red ochre was used, and the deceased and his or her belongings were painted with the red paint. The deceased was then wrapped in birch bark or animal hides. In the grave the deceased was laid out in full length or propped up in a sitting position. Grave goods, such as tools and household items, have also been found at burial sites. Slate spears were commonly found as well as manufactured shells, animal teeth, and bird parts. " Information  Courtesy of the Canadian Museum of Civilization

"Together with the Beothuk on Newfoundland, the Micmac were probably the first Native Americans to have regular contact with Europeans. This may have occurred as early as the 11th century with the early Viking settlements on the coast of North America, or perhaps with Basque fishermen who visited the Grand Banks before Columbus' voyage in 1492 but kept quiet about where they were catching all their fish. The first known contact was made in 1497 by John Cabot who took three Micmac with him when he returned to England. The Micmac may not have appreciated this, since Cabot disappeared in the same area during his second voyage a few years later. " Click Link Below for further information from source.

http://www.dickshovel.com/Compacts.html