Previous Education

B.A. (Anthropology), University of Winnipeg

Supervisors

Dr. Michael Deal / Dr. Barry Gaulton

Keywords

Palaeoethnobotany, Environmental Archaeology, Beothuk-European relations, Ferryland, Newfoundland.

Research Statement

The aim of my research is to establish a clearer understanding of cross-cultural relationships between indigenous Beothuk peoples of Newfoundland and Europeans during the 16th and 17th centuries. I hope to achieve this through analysis of palaeoethnobotanical remains (plant material from archaeological contexts) found within sediments from areas known to have been used by both Beothuk peoples and seasonal European fishermen at the site of Ferryland on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula. Palaeoethnobotanical remains from multiple hearth features may be key to understanding whether these cultural groups shared the site at seasonally different times or were there contemporaneously, engaging in active exchange. Additionally, my research will contribute to understanding any changes in the botanical makeup of Ferryland’s landscape over time and how inhabitants interacted with said landscape.

Contact

Email: eblewissing@mun.ca