Abstract

The economy of the late prehistoric Mackenzie Inuit was based on a great diversity of resources, including the seasonally abundant beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas). This paper is based on examination of beluga bones recovered from Gupuk, a large prehistoric site in the Mackenzie Delta. These analyses will be used to characterize prehistoric methods of beluga procurernent, and to determine the significance of this species to the diet of the Mackenzie Inuit. Emphasis will be placed on the examination of incremental structures observable in thin-sectioned beluga mandibles, which will be used to establish an age profile of the hunted population.