Abstract

The use of sods in house structure construction was common throughout the Labrador coast since the Labrador Inuit first entered the region. Since sod house structures are well suited for this environment, they were quickly adapted and used by a wide variety of different cultures and groups throughout Labrador. The use of sod structures by Inuit, seasonal fishers and permanent European settlers has littered the coast with sod house remains. This paper will discuss how the architecture of a recently excavated 19th century Labrador Métis sod house structure compares and contrasts to those of the other cultural groups in the region. Differences in the architectural features, house layout and methods of construction are apparent, and outlining these differences is the preliminary step in creating an archaeological definition of the Labrador Métis that could be used to help determine cultural affiliation of sod house structures on the Labrador Coast.