Polynyas and ice edge habitats in cultural context: Archaeological perspectives from southeast Baffin Island

Abstract

A combination of paleoclimatic proxies, zooarchaeological data from historic Inuit habitation sites, and Geographic Information System (GIS) studies of modern sea-ice extremes were used to track the changing size and shape in modern times of a polynya situated in outer Frobisher Bay, Baffin Island. From these data, inferences were drawn about historic Inuit settlement patterns and subsistence strategies in the region over the last 500 years. Results of the analysis show that during episodes of cooling temperatures and increased ice severity, the polynya decreases in size and is more localized in outer Frobisher Bay. During warmer periods, the polynya increases in size, extending its ice edge habitat significantly towards the head of Frobisher Bay. These findings, as well as zooarchaeological studies from the outer Bay region that show extensive use of the floe edge habitat, suggest that the present-day polynya was an important factor in attracting various migrations of people to this area, beginning as early as the 14th century. The polynya represented not only a predictable food source on which Inuit could depend during periods of high climatic variability, but also a reliable economic base that allowed them to maintain a high degree of autonomy throughout the different phases of European contact history. The findings discussed in this study are presented at two spatial scales in order to draw connections between regional patterns of sea-ice distribution and Inuit settlement and more local patterns of human response and adaptation.