Archaeological investigations of prehistoric and historic caribou hunting in the alpine region of West Greenland

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Clemens Pasda
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 247484527

In West Greenland the material record of Paleo-Eskimo, Norse, Thule and colonial caribou hunting is well-known from the lower parts of the inland tundra. In contrast, more or less nothing is known from the alpine area. The projects aim is to survey ice and snow patches in heights above 1000m in two areas of the Nuuk region to document archaeological objects and structures left by caribou hunters. Collected data is used to discuss current archaeological knowledge on caribou hunting which is dominated by sites situated in the tundra below. As preservation of organic remains can be expected a more exact dating of stone-built hunting structures may be possible.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Denmark
• Participating Person: Mikkel Myrup