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A Reconsideration of the Archaeological Significance of the Role of the Middleman in the Fur Trade

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Abstract

Arthur Ray's concept of the archaeological significance of the role of the middleman in the fur trade in northern Canada is examined. It is felt that his conclusions are based on historical generalizations that are not representative of the complexity of the trading post system. Specific examples from early journals of the Fort Churchill and Lake Athabasca areas are cited in support of this contention. Finally, it is suggested that the most profitable avenue for future research is to use historical data in an integrative rather than a supplementary manner.

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Copyright
Copyright © The Society for American Archaeology 1979

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References

References Cited

Hearne, Samuel, 1971 A journey from Prince of Wales's Fort in Hudson's Bay to the northern ocean. M. G. Hurtig, Edmonton.Google Scholar
Henry, Alexander, 1901 Travels and adventures in Canada and the Indian territories between the years 1760 and 1776, edited by James Bain. George Morang, Toronto.Google Scholar
Mackenzie, Alexander, 1970 The journals and ietters of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, edited by W. Kaye Lamb. Macmillan of Canada, Toronto.Google Scholar
Ray, Arthur J., 1978 History and archaeology of the northern fur trade. American Antiquity 43:2634.Google Scholar
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