Tools Transformed
his rare collection
of artifacts made of both naturally occurring and European
materials was excavated from a mid- to late eighteenth-century
Beothuk house or Mamateek at Red Indian Lake in
Newfoundland's western interior. Using a stone hammer and other
stone or metal tools, the Beothuk cut pieces of metal from axe
blades, kettles, and hardware such as door hinges and nails.
Hammering, cutting and grinding with a whetstone transformed
the cut metal into an assortment of finely-made
traditional-style implements.
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Metal Axe
Beothuk
Indian Point site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
Late 18th century A.D.
Length: 11.75 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1819
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Metal Spear
Beothuk
Indian Point site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
Late 18th century A.D.
Length: 4.5 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1825
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Fragment of Metal Hinge
Beothuk
Indian Point site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
Late 18th century A.D.
Length: 6.25 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1832
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Fragment of Glass Scraper
Beothuk
Indian Point site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
Late 18th century A.D.
Length: 1.75 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1850
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Metal Nail
Beothuk
Indian Point site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
Late 18th century A.D.
Length: 4.25 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1836
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Stone Projectile Point
Beothuk
Indian Point Site, Red Indian Lake, Newfoundland
17th-18th century A.D.
Length: 5.5 inches
Collection: Canadian Museum of Civilization, DeBd-1:1849
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