Archaeological Research at a Prehistoric Paleo-Eskimo Camp: A Virtual Exhibit
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One of the most important new collections in the Gates of the Arctic museum is GAAR-00222, the archaeological assemblage from a Paleo-Eskimo camp at Lake Matcharak. The collection includes thousands of stone tools and exceptionally well preserved faunal remains archaeologically assigned to the Denbigh Flint Complex and left at the site by a small band of people nearly 4000 years ago. The following links will allow you to explore the discovery and investigation of the site, view some of the artifacts found there, and learn more about some of the research questions and efforts related to this remarkable collection. For more in depth information on Paleo-Eskimos, the Denbigh Flint Complex, and the investigations of the Lake Matcharak site click here to view a pdf factsheet. If you have any questions or comments regarding this exhibit please feel free to contact the Park Curator. 
Chris Ciancibelli/NPS A chert biface from the Lake Matcharak collection
Click on this image to view samples from the stone and organic artifacts that comprise the GAAR-00222 museum collection. 
Jeff Rasic/NPS NPS archaeologists working at the Lake Matcharak Paleo-Eskimo site
Click on this image to join the crew during the initial discovery and subsequent fieldwork at the Lake Matcharak Paleo-Eskimo site. 
N. Slobodina/NPS Andy Tremayne, NPS archaeologist and AMR-186 project leader
Click on this image to view a series of short vodcasts (videos) created by Liz O'Connell of WonderVisions about the site, some of the research questions that drove the investigations, and the collection. |
Did You Know?
The Noatak drainage that begins in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and continues through the Noatak Preserve is an internationally recognized biosphere reserve.