Oxbow Site 1984 (83pgs)

The Oxbow Site 1984

Overview

  • Location: Oxbow Site, Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq First Nation, Miramichi, New Brunswick.

  • Documented by Patricia Allen as part of the New Brunswick Manuscripts in Archaeology series (No. 39).

Purpose of the Study

  • Designed to facilitate distribution and publication of archaeological manuscripts.

  • Focuses on Oxbow site's occupation during the Maritime Woodland Period.

  • Aims to substantiate earlier findings from excavations in 1977-1979.

Publication Information

  • Edited by Dr. Frances L. Stewart, Sandy Glidden-Hachey, C. Drew Gilbert, and Brent D. Suttie.

  • Published by: Archaeological Services, Heritage Branch, Culture and Sport Secretariat in 2005.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

    • Oxbow Environs

    • Distribution of Natural Resources

  2. General Description of the Oxbow Site

    • Depositional History

  3. Archaeological Research History

    • Initial Tests and Excavations (1977-1979)

    • Excavations in 1984

  4. Artifacts and Features Excavated in 1984

    • Layer by Layer Findings

  5. Chronology Framework and Comparisons

  6. Site Seasonality and Subsistence

  7. Other Sites on the Miramichi

  8. Summary and Discussion

  9. References Cited

Chapter 1: Introduction

  • Identifies Oxbow site as a deeply stratified Maritime Woodland period living area, first reported by Joseph Augustine.

  • Testing in 1977 confirmed significant cultural stratification and potential for chronology establishment.

Chapter 2: General Description of the Oxbow Site

  • Site located on a low terrace alongside the Little Southwest Miramichi.

  • Historical usage by the Miramichi Mi’kmaq and agricultural history noted.

  • The area experienced alluvial deposits due to high water events leading to cultural stratification.

Chapter 3: Archaeological Research at Oxbow Site

  • 1978 excavations revealed the site extended across 200 meters with variable depth and stratigraphy.

  • Excavation methods transitioned from arbitrary levels to natural deposition layers in 1984 for enhanced accuracy.

Chapter 4: Artifacts and Features Excavated in 1984

  • Extensive findings categorized into specific layers with diagnostic artifacts:

    • Layer findings detailed from 1 to 22, with significant cultural layers being Layers 6c, 8, and 19.

  • Important artifacts found include:

    • Pottery fragments, lithic tools, hearth features, and faunal remains.

Chapter 5: Chronological Framework

  • 1984 findings compared against 1978-1979 data, confirming and enhancing the cultural chronology.

  • Distinct cultural periods identified within site layers, along with specific artifact styles.

Chapter 6: Site Seasonality and Subsistence

  • Fishery-focused occupation during warmer months, primarily involving fishing techniques and methods for preserving fish.

  • Botanical studies indicate extensive use of local resources and seasonality reflected in the identified flora.

Chapter 7: Other Sites on the Miramichi

  • Overview of survey findings in surrounding areas, highlighting known archaeological sites and their significance.

Chapter 8: Summary and Discussion

  • Concludes that the Oxbow site served as a warm weather fishing camp, with relationships to community practices and resources utilization.

  • Discusses implications of archaeological evidence on pre-contact Mi’kmaq cultural practices.

References

  • Includes an extensive bibliography of sources consulted in the research and documentation of the Oxbow site.