Hivernant archaeology in the Cypress Hills

Abstract

A re-evaluation of the archaeological reconstruction of Cabins B and E of the Kajewski Cabin Site, in view of Hivernant ethnohistory, indicates that archaeological technique and inference allow a high degree of reality in a reconstruction of material culture. It can also introduce a high degree of unreality to a reconstruction of the more complex, abstract aspects of social behavior. In effect, by the methods utilized at present, archaeological reconstruction is impossible without recourse to ethnohistoric analogy. Additionally, an avenue of protohistoric reality has been provided, between prehistory and post-White contact, which may increase the relevance of the Direct Historical Approach in Canada. An analysis of artifacts, features, and context indicates that acculturation of Indian and White traits is well represented materially in the archaeological record.