Abstract

In 1974 and 1975 a Maritime Archaic cemetery was excavated at Rattlers Bight, Hamilton Inlet, Labrador. The burial site is associated with a large habitation settlement which has been excavated at the same location. Both date to the period ca 4000-3800 B.P. Excavation results include a tool assemblage similar to that obtained at the living site. Ritual specialization of grave goods is not indicated. Poor preservation of organic remains limits extensive comparison with Port-au-Cboix, but preliminary conclusions suggest significant differences between Rattlers Bight and other Moorehead or Maritime Archaic cemetery couplexes. Some of these differences indicate that regionalism in burial traditions cross-cuts certain long-range similarities in tool class types and burial form. Study of this variation should facilitate understanding of relationships between regional groups as well as providing insight into the role of burial customs in these societies.