Research | Forskning - peer review

An archaeological survey of Kitsissut, a remote island cluster in the High Arctic of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), has revealed a human pres- ence almost 4500 years ago, during the formation of a vital marine environment—Pikialasorsuaq polynya. Kitsissut is accessible only by a difficult open-water… An archaeological survey of Kitsissut, a remote island cluster in the High Arctic of Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), has revealed a human pres- ence almost 4500 years ago, during the formation of a vital marine environment—Pikialasorsuaq polynya. Kitsissut is accessible only by a difficult open-water journey, and repeated occupation thus permits inferences on the sophistication of water- craft technology and navigational skill. Here, the authors argue that this demonstrable reach of Early Paleo-Inuit communities across marine and terres- trial ecosystems enhances our understanding of their lifeways and environmental legacy, raising critical new questions about Indigenous agency in shaping emerging Arctic ecosystems. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

Mortuary archaeology and bioarchaeology increasingly recognize that the mortuary record indexes not only past societies’ understandings of death but also a wider set of experiences and practices bearing on an extended life course and ontology more broadly. The process of “being-toward-death,” the ex… Mortuary archaeology and bioarchaeology increasingly recognize that the mortuary record indexes not only past societies’ understandings of death but also a wider set of experiences and practices bearing on an extended life course and ontology more broadly. The process of “being-toward-death,” the experience of dying, a community’s participation in this process and subsequent handling of the corpse, the ongoing relations of the living with the material remains, the memory traces of the deceased in a burial cairn, and the local biologies illuminated by bioarchaeology, all constitute elements of a “necrontology” that was a core component of the culturally figured life course. Here the mortuary records from two parts of the Inuit world—northern Labrador and Southwest Greenland—are characterized in terms of their implications for such a necrontology of Inuit groups. While there appear to have been pan-regional patterns, idiosyncratic mortuary treatments also occur, warranting that archaeologists revisit, in appropriately community-sensitive ways, a record increasingly threatened by climate change. Read more

Communication | Formidling - peer review

This personal narrative highlights the journey of an Inuk archaeologist from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire for change within the discipline of Archaeology. The narrative traces the history of impact of Danish colonization and the challenges faced by I… This personal narrative highlights the journey of an Inuk archaeologist from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), driven by a sense of responsibility and a desire for change within the discipline of Archaeology. The narrative traces the history of impact of Danish colonization and the challenges faced by Inuit, particularly in the education system. The author emphasizes the need for inclusivity and adjustment in the education system to support Inuit students. She reflects on the role and history of archaeology in Kalaallit Nunaat from the 19th century, shedding light on its colonial roots and the marginalization of Inuit perspectives and contributions, and emphasizes the need for a shift in the discipline to center Inuit voices and perspectives. Throughout the narrative, the author provides a personal and reflective account and discusses her journey to becoming an Inuk archaeologist, and the challenges she faced. In overall, the author presents the importance of community involvement in archaeological research and the responsibility of researchers to respect community needs and knowledge, and her commitment to promoting Inuit perspectives and self-determination in the fields of Education and Archaeology. Read more

Research | Forskning - peer review

This paper takes a critical look into the Fifth Thule Expedition and the lack of general representation and recognition of its Inuit participants. Historically, little attention has been paid to the degree to which Indigenous participants played a role in non-Arctic peoples’ (e.g., Europeans, North… This paper takes a critical look into the Fifth Thule Expedition and the lack of general representation and recognition of its Inuit participants. Historically, little attention has been paid to the degree to which Indigenous participants played a role in non-Arctic peoples’ (e.g., Europeans, North Americans, and Russians) quest to explore the Arctic. Outsiders have for centuries been attracted to explore and colonize the Arctic regions. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, ethnographic subjects and fieldwork expanded as a result of progressing colonial encounters. Among them, the Fifth Thule Expedition (1921–1924) played a significant role in the interpretation and description of the Arctic and the Indigenous peoples who call it home. The Fifth Thule Expedition’s Inuit par- ticipants from Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), particularly the Inughuit from Avanersuaq (Northwest Greenland), played a crucial role in carrying out vital tasks for the expedition. However, the role and importance of these participants have rarely been a focus of discussion, and only scant recognition has been paid to their contributions. This paper places Inuit participants as central actors in the success of the Fifth Thule Expedition and explores the entangled colonial aspects of scientific expeditions to the Arctic. Read more

Research | Forskning

In the High Arctic, recent acceleration of geomorphological processes is having extreme impact on archaeological landscapes. In this paper, we consider implication for circumpolar archaeology, and focus analysis on a study area of critical importance to the local Inughuit community at Siorapaluk – a… In the High Arctic, recent acceleration of geomorphological processes is having extreme impact on archaeological landscapes. In this paper, we consider implication for circumpolar archaeology, and focus analysis on a study area of critical importance to the local Inughuit community at Siorapaluk – a small settlement in Northwest Greenland. Using a combination of ground survey, historical satellite images, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we analyze damage zones to understand the character, timing, and extent of destruction. Three types of geomorphological processes are identified as causing significant damage, including: 1) debris flows, 2) active-layer detachment slides, and 3) alluvial deposition. These processes, we demonstrate, were amplified by extraordinary rainfall events that took place in the summers of 2016 and 2017 against a backdrop of broader climate change induced shifts in arctic precipitation. Further instability in the amount and seasonality of precipitation can be expected, and archaeological consequences will expand to areas that have so far been unaffected. The scale of mass movement that we document may be unprecedented in terms of the landscape’s post-glacial development, and likely represents the onset of a new state in erosional maturity. We use our results to suggest criteria that can help predict and identify areas most at risk, which will be a critical component of prioritizing response measures. The suddenness through which mass movement went from background threat to primary destructive process makes the case of Siorapaluk relevant to archaeologists working in periglacial landscapes worldwide. Read more

Research | Forskning

Inuit/Inughuit participants were crucial to the success of the Fifth Thule Expedition, yet their contributions are rarely documented. The focus has long been on European explorers, leaving Inuit/Inughuit achievements overlooked. While Knud Rasmussen’s story is well-known, the roles of Inuit/Inugh… Inuit/Inughuit participants were crucial to the success of the Fifth Thule Expedition, yet their contributions are rarely documented. The focus has long been on European explorers, leaving Inuit/Inughuit achievements overlooked. While Knud Rasmussen’s story is well-known, the roles of Inuit/Inughuit participants remain in the shadows. As Inukitsoq and Genoveva Sadorana from Qaanaaq said, “The Fifth Thule Expedition would not have succeeded without them, yet they are almost unknown.” This lecture will bring their voices and perspectives to the forefront, highlighting their indispensable role in the expedition. Read more

Communication | Formidling

In Kalaallit Nunaat, many stories—especially from hunters—tell of sightings or encounters with qivittut (singular: qivittoq). A qivittoq is someone who has abandoned society, often driven by shame, anger, jealousy, or despair, and seeks to survive alone in the wilderness. According to legend, they e… In Kalaallit Nunaat, many stories—especially from hunters—tell of sightings or encounters with qivittut (singular: qivittoq). A qivittoq is someone who has abandoned society, often driven by shame, anger, jealousy, or despair, and seeks to survive alone in the wilderness. According to legend, they eventually gain supernatural powers, can take the shape of animals, or move incredibly fast across the landscape. Feared as vengeful and dangerous, their stories serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of isolation. Deeply rooted in Inuit culture, the qivittoq tradition appears in both ancient legends and modern literature and film. Even today, there are reports of encounters in Kalaallit Nunaat, especially in fjords during spring, summer, and early autumn. I have long wanted to survey specific fjords to document locations linked to qivittoq sightings. But can we trace the qivittoq in the archaeological landscape? And is it even possible? This paper explores examples and key questions. Read more