SGER: Morphometric Assessment of Prehistoric Skeletal Series from Nuvuk, Point Barrow, Alaska

University Of Utah, Salt Lake City UT

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT ARC 0535356 This project will allow the PI to do morphometric and paleopathologic analyses of Thule period skeletal materials at Point Barrow. Due to major erosion of the Point Barrow coastal beach, a number of prehistoric burials have been exposed. The recent decision by the Ukpeag'vik Inupiat Corporation to remove and relocate the burials and to allow scientific examination of the burials has provided an unprecedented opportunity for gathering scientific information on the skeletal material from these burials. Working with the permission of local authorities, the scientific team will examine the material. In addition, the researchers plan to work with local high school students and provide them training and experience in archaeological techniques and skeletal recovery. The information gathered and analyzed as a result of the project should give new insights into the long debate on the origins of the Thule people and their relationship to Barrow populations.