Dorset Culture
The Dorset Culture was a significant Paleo-Eskimo group that inhabited the Arctic regions of North America from about 800 BCE to 1500 CE. Here is a detailed look into their culture, history, and context:
Origins and Spread
Lifestyle and Culture
- Settlements: Dorset people lived in semi-subterranean houses, which provided insulation against the harsh Arctic climate. These dwellings were typically made from stone, whalebone, and driftwood.
- Tools and Technology: They were adept at crafting tools from available materials. Notable among their artifacts are the Dorset Goggles made from antler or bone, which protected their eyes from snow blindness.
- Hunting and Fishing: Their diet consisted mainly of marine mammals like seals, whales, and walruses, supplemented by fish, birds, and caribou. They used sophisticated harpoons, bows, and arrows for hunting.
- Art: Dorset art is characterized by intricate carvings on ivory, bone, and antler. Their art often depicted animals and shamans, indicating a deep spiritual connection with their environment.
Decline
- The decline of the Dorset Culture around 1500 CE is attributed to various factors:
- Competition with the arriving Thule Culture, who were ancestors of modern Inuit, and were better equipped for maritime hunting.
- Climate change, specifically the Little Ice Age, might have made their traditional lifestyle unsustainable.
- There's evidence suggesting that some Dorset groups might have assimilated or been absorbed by the Thule.
Archaeological Findings
- Many Dorset sites have been excavated, with significant findings at places like Nunguvik and Igloolik, providing insights into their way of life.
Legacy
- The Dorset Culture left a rich legacy in terms of technology, art, and adaptation to extreme environments, which has influenced subsequent Arctic cultures.
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