ARCHAEOLOGY

Archaeologists use excavations and other techniques to gather clues in order to learn about cultural groups who lived in an earlier time period. The vast region of northwestern Ontario’s boreal forest provides a unique set of conditions which are challenging in terms of conducting archaeological research. This has limited the amount of overall research carried out in this area. However, as additional archaeological work is completed, the picture that is slowly emerging reveals that previous groups living within this landscape had a rich and dynamic cultural history. This section highlights Lac Seul and offers a glimpse into its past.

Green Bead

Green Bead

While out walking the eroded shoreline of a known archaeological site I discovered a green tubular shaped object.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 17, 2023archaeology, Boreal forest Lac Seul

The Minontoba Composite

The Minontoba Composite

The Minontoba Composite, a paper published in the Manitoba Archaeological Society Journal (2021), proposes a revision to the taxonomic categories of the Late Woodland period based on the high degree of attribute variability observed on pottery vessels from this era.

InformationBradley HyslopDecember 17, 2023Lac Seul, boreal forest, pottery

Encrustations

Encrustations

In some instances, carbonized food encrustations are preserved on pottery surfaces.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopSeptember 30, 2022archaeology, Boreal forest Lac Seul

Grooved Gouge

Grooved Gouge

I was instantly both amazed and exhilarated as I examined the highly polished artifact that I held in my hand.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopAugust 22, 2022archaeology

The Mystery Bag

The Mystery Bag

As I got closer I could see that it was a waterlogged canvas satchel heavily encrusted with dirt and clay. A mystery bag!

BlogsBradley HyslopJuly 12, 2022vesselquesting, archaeology

A Possible Stratified Hearth within the Eroded Shoreline

A Possible Stratified Hearth within the Eroded Shoreline

Therefore, the unearthing of a fairly intact hearth feature within an eroded shoreline was even more amazing because it appears to have distinct layers!

BlogsBradley HyslopMay 20, 2022vesselquesting, archaeology

Twelve Trade Axes on Lac Seul

Twelve Trade Axes on Lac Seul

InformationBradley HyslopFebruary 4, 2022boreal forest archaeology

Bone Needle

Bone Needle

This artifact has been identified fragment of a bone tool made from a moose vestigial metarsal.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopFebruary 4, 2022archaeology

Copper Adze

Copper Adze

This artifact has been identified as a copper adze of some antiquity.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopFebruary 2, 2022archaeology

The Bright-Light Model: A Visual Concept of Group Movement in Northwestern Ontario

InformationBradley HyslopJanuary 13, 2022boreal forest archaeology

It's About Time

It's About Time

InformationBradley HyslopJanuary 13, 2022Archaeology, Boreal forest Lac Seul

Shell Fossil

Shell Fossil

Ancient fossilized shell embedded within HBL chert.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 30, 2021archaeology, Boreal forest Lac Seul

Pottery Decoration Tool

Pottery Decoration Tool

A dentate stamp design is created by using this pottery decoration tool.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 28, 2021archaeology

Copper Bracelet

Copper Bracelet

This artifact appears to be a decorative adornment made from a repurposed copper kettle.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 27, 2021archaeology

A Procedure Manual for Boreal Forest Archaeological Digging

A Procedure Manual for Boreal Forest Archaeological Digging

InformationBradley HyslopDecember 27, 2021boreal forest archaeology

Point to the Sky Biface

Point to the Sky Biface

This biface was discovered in place as shown in the picture.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 26, 2021archaeology

Copper Encased in Clay

Copper Encased in Clay

A light green colour was exposed indicating that an oxidized copper item was encased beneath the veneer of hardened clay.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopDecember 7, 2021archaeology

Sandy Lake Ware with Crenulated Rim

Sandy Lake Ware with Crenulated Rim

The clay along the top portion of this vessel has been intentionally clipped out to produce a wavy zig-zag lip form referred to as crenulated.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopNovember 18, 2021archaeology

Pottery Disc

Pottery Disc

This artifact was surface collected from the beach sands of an eroded shoreline and, although the item is a broken piece of pottery made from firing tempered clay, it is unlikely to have been part of a clay pot.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopNovember 18, 2021archaeology

Zoomorphic Atlatl Weight

Zoomorphic Atlatl Weight

This artifact has been identified as an elongated atlatl weight with what appears to be an animal face carved into one end.

Cool DiscoveriesBradley HyslopNovember 18, 2021archaeology