Interpreting Fish Trap Use in Comox Harbour Through

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Interpreting Fish Trap Use in Comox Harbour Through A View From the Shore: Interpreting Fish Trap Use in Comox Harbour Through Zooarchaeological Analysis of Fish Remains from the Q’umu?xs Village Site (DkSf-19), Comox Harbour, British Columbia By Megan Caldwell A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of MASTER OF ARTS Department of Anthropology University of Manitoba Winnipeg Copyright © 2008 by Megan Elizabeth Caldwell Table of Contents Table of Contents i List of Figures iv List of Tables iv Abstract vi Dedication vii Acknowledgements viii Chapter 1 – Introduction 1 Chapter 2 – The Northwest Coast Setting 5 2.1 - Defining the Northwest Coast 5 2.2 - Northwest Coast Environment 6 2.2.1 - Northwest Coast Environmental Setting 6 2.2.2 - Faunal Resources 7 2.2.3 - Spawning Aggregations of Herring and Salmon 7 2.2.4 - Other fish species found at Q’umu?xs 10 2.2.5 - Shellfish Resources 13 2.2.6 - Avian and Mammalian Resources 14 2.3 - Northwest Coast Culture Area 14 2.3.1 – Introduction 14 2.3.2 - Early Northwest Coast Occupation 15 2.3.3 - Locarno Beach Phase 15 2.3.4 - Marpole Phase 18 2.3.5 - Gulf of Georgia Phase 19 2.3.6 - The Ethnographic Period 21 2.4 - Large-Scale Fishing Structures (Traps and Weirs) 24 2.4.1 - Fishing Structures Around the World 24 2.4.2 - Northwest Coast Fishing Structures 25 2.5 - Comox Harbour, British Columbia 27 2.5.1 - Comox Harbour and the Q’umu?xs Village Site 27 2.5.2 - Previous Archaeology in Comox Harbour and the Northern Gulf of Georgia 30 Chapter 3 – Literature Review 33 3.1 - Optimal Foraging Theory 33 3.1.1 – Introduction 33 3.1.2 - Application to Anthropology and Archaeology 34 3.1.3 - Prey Choice 35 i 3.1.4 - Patch Choice 36 3.1.5 - Marginal Value Theorem 38 3.1.6 - Central Place Foraging 39 3.1.7 - Optimization and Technology 40 3.2 – Households 42 3.2.1 – Introduction 42 3.2.2 - Definition of ‘Household’ 43 3.2.3 - Functional Analysis as a Method of Household Archaeology 44 3.2.4 - The Northwest Coast Household 50 3.2.5 - Northwest Coast Household Archaeology 53 3.3 – Complexity 56 3.3.1 – Introduction 56 3.3.2 - Northwest Coast Complexity 60 3.4 – Intensification 62 3.4.1 – Introduction 62 3.4.2 - Northwest Coast Resource Production 63 3.5 – Expectations 65 Chapter 4 – Methods and Materials 68 4.1 - Site Selection 68 4.2 – Sampling 68 4.2.1 - Bucket Auger Sampling 68 4.2.2 - Sampling in the Field 69 4.2.3 - Sampling for Analysis 71 4.3 - Treatment of Materials 72 4.3.1 - Screening and Sorting of Auger Materials 72 4.3.2 – Identification 73 4.3.3 – Quantification 73 4.4 - Soil pH Analysis 74 4.4.1 - Material for soil pH Analysis 74 4.4.2 - Method of soil pH Analysis 74 4.4.3 - Correlation of Soil pH Analysis and Fish Remains 75 4.5 - Fish Trap Mapping 76 4.6 – Interviews 76 4.6.1 - Ethics Approval 76 4.6.2 - Interview Questions 77 Chapter 5 – Results 78 ii 5.1 – Introduction 78 5.2- Radiocarbon Dates 78 5.3 - Soil pH Values 79 5.4 - Results of Fish Element Identification 80 5.4.1 - Results of 2.36mm Samples 80 5.4.2 - Results of 1.5mm Samples 110 5.4.3 - Results of Combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm Samples 116 5.5 - Fish Trap Mapping Results 124 Chapter 6 – Discussion 128 6.1 - Discussion of Results 128 6.1.1 - Fish Remains at Q’umu?xs Village 128 6.1.2 - Fish Remains and Fish Traps in Comox Harbour 131 6.1.3 - The Use of Fish Traps in Comox Harbour 132 6.2 - Expectations Revisited 135 6.2.1 - Optimal Foraging Theory and Fish Trap Use 135 6.2.2 - Intensification and Fish Trap Use 137 6.2.3 - Intensification, Complexity and Households 138 6.3 – Summary 141 Chapter 7 – Implications, Future Directions and Conclusion 142 7.1 - Implications and Future Directions 142 7.2 – Conclusion 144 References 146 Appendix A – Functions and Formulae for Optimal Foraging Models 161 Appendix B – Samples from the Courtenay District Museum and Archives 165 Appendix C – Soil pH Analysis - Correlation 167 Appendix D – Interviews with K’omoks Elders 170 Appendix E – Reports on Radiocarbon Analysis 174 Appendix F – Photographs of Q’umu?xs Village Site and Comox Harbour, British Columbia 182 Appendix G – Digital appendix consisting of excel document of fish remains identifications 194 iii List of Figures 2.1 The Northwest Coast culture area 6 2.2 Location of Comox Harbour, British Columbia 28 4.1 Location of sampled areas at the Q’umu?xs Village Site 70 5.1 Schematics of trap structures found in Comox Harbour 125 5.2 Schematic of mapped wooden stake complex #1 126 5.3 Schematic of mapped wooden stake complex #2 127 6.1 Radiocarbon Dates from the Comox Harbour Fish Traps and the Q’umu?xs Village Site 132 List of Tables 5.1 Results of radiocarbon analysis on materials from the Q’umu?xs Village site 79 5.2 Results of soil pH analysis on samples from the Q’umu?xs Village site 80 5.3 Distribution of 2.36mm materials by area 81 5.4 %NISP and %NSP of 2.36mm materials by area 81 5.5 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Area 1 83 5.6 %NISP and %NSP of 2.36mm materials for Area 1 83 5.7 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 8 84 5.8 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 9 85 5.9 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 13 86 5.10 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Area 2 87 5.11 %NISP and %NSP of 2.36mm materials for Area 2 87 5.12 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 4 88 5.13 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 5 89 5.14 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 6 90 5.15 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 16 91 5.16 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for the column sample 92 5.17 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Area 3 94 5.18 %NISP and %NSP of 2.36mm materials for Area 3 94 5.19 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 34 95 5.20 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 35 96 5.21 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 36 97 5.22 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 39 99 5.23 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 40 100 5.24 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Area 4 102 iv 5.25 %NISP and %NSP of 2.36mm materials for Area 4 102 5.26 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 5W25N 103 5.27 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 5W5N 104 5.28 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 5W30N 105 5.29 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 15W5N 106 5.30 Distribution of 2.36mm materials for Auger 10W5N 107 5.31 Distribution of 1.5mm materials by area 109 5.32 %NISP and %NSP of 1.5mm materials by area 109 5.33 Distribution of 1.5mm materials for Auger 9 110 5.34 Distribution of 1.5mm materials for the column sample 111 5.35 Distribution of 1.5mm materials for Auger 40 112 5.36 Distribution of 1.5mm materials for Auger 10W5N 114 5.37 Distribution of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials by area 115 5.38 %NISP and %NSP of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials by area 115 5.39 Distribution of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials for Auger 9 116 5.40 Distribution of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials for the column sample 118 5.41 Distribution of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials for Auger 40 119 5.42 Distribution of combined 1.5mm and 2.36mm materials for Auger 10W5N 121 v Abstract This thesis presents the results of recent sampling of the Q’umu?xs Village site (DkSf- 19) at Comox Harbour, British Columbia. Bucket auger and column sampling was undertaken to ascertain resource use patterns associated with the unique abundance of wooden stake fish traps located in Comox Harbour through zooarchaeological analysis of fish remains. Fish remains were identified and quantified to trace changes in resource use and linked to the chronology of fish trap use. Incorporating the theoretical frameworks of human behavioural ecology (optimal foraging models), intensification, household archaeology, and the archaeology of complex hunter-gatherers, this thesis discusses the use of fish traps in Comox Harbour in relation to larger questions of Northwest Coast social and economic complexity, in particular the emphasis on herring seen in the fish remains. vi Dedication To the fishers of Comox Harbour, past, present, and future. vii Acknowledgements This research would not have been possible without the help and encouragement of many people. First, I would like to thank the K’omoks First Nation for allowing me to conduct research within their territory. I thank in particular the Elders who graciously shared their time and knowledge with me: Mary Everson, Norman Frank, Ernie Hardy and Stu Hardy. As well, I would like to thank band manager Melinda Knox and Jenny Millar who works in the band office for their assistance throughout this project.
Recommended publications
  • City of Campbell River Council Agenda
    CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER COUNCIL AGENDA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MONDAY, OCTOBER 02,2006 inthe City ofCampbell River Council Chambers (Main Level), 301 St. Ann's Road, Campbell River, BC. The agenda presents the recommendations extracted from the reports that comprise the agenda background package. To request a copy of a specific report, please contact the appropriate department. IN-CAMERA BUSINESS: 6:00 P.M. IN-CAMERA COUNCIL MEETING (Prior to Regular Council Meeting) "THAT Council move In -Camera under the authority of Section 90 (1) (e), (g), and (k) of the Community Charter. " 1. DELEGATIONS/PRESENTATIONS: 7:30 P.M. PUBLIC HEARING (a) 1. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3247, 2006 (BMX Track-1299 Homewood Road) 2. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3234, 2006 (801 Hilchey Road and 2300 Holm Road) 3. Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3242, 2006 and Land Use Contract Discharge Bylaw No. 3248, 2006 (984 South Island Highway) REGULAR COUNCIL BUSINESS (Following Public Hearing) (a) Shawn Colmer, Owner, regarding Variance to permit oversized accessory building at 903 Holm Road. [See Item 3 (e)] (b) Mike Harris, Agent, regarding Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3244, 2006 and OCP Amendment Bylaw No. 3243, 2006 for 865 8th Avenue and 826 7th Avenue. [See Item 3 (f)] (c) Rob Roycroft, Planning Consultant, regarding Bylaw No. 3249, 2006 rezoning for a future mixed use development at 2338 South Island Highway. [See Item 3 (g)] 2. STAFF REPORTS: A. ADMINISTRATION (a) City Manager's September 26, 2006 Report regarding 2006 Strategic Plan 3rd 6 Quarter Update and Follow-Up Report. [Follow-Up Report circulated separately] "THAT the City Manager's September 26, 2006 Report regarding 2006 Strategic Plan 3rd Quarter Update and Follow-Up Report be received.
    [Show full text]
  • Property Assessment Project No.: 80333483.501
    AECOM 3292 Production Way. Floor -4 80-4 ...... &400 let Burnaby, BC. Canada VSA '4R-4 80-4 29-4 8597 fax www.aecom.eom November 17, 2014 Marc Rutten, P.Eng. General Manager of Engineering Services Comox Valley Regional District 600 Comox Road Courtenay, BC V9N 3P6 Dear Mr. Rutten: Re: Comox Pump Station No. 2 - Property Assessment Project No.: 80333483.501 The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) retained AECOM to complete a desk top environmental site assessment and geotechnical assessment for a designated property (Site) located on Beech Street, Com ox, BC with legal address: Lot A Plan VIP 82713 OL 110 LO 15. The CVRD's objective in undertaking the work Is to identify whether there are any identifiable environmental and geotechnlcal Issues from a high level screening perspective to ascertain the suitability of the site for construction of a future wastewater pump station. AECOM undertook a desktop phase 1 environmental assessment (Appendix A) and retained Levelton Consultants to carry out a geotechnical desktop assessment (Appendix B). Copies of both of these documents are attached herein. The Desktop Phase 1 ESA is comprised of historical record searches, an aerial photograph review, regulatory searches and a review of past reports. The following table summarizes the findings of the ESA: Sub ect stte No civic address. Site Is near the Intersection of Beech Street and Oocllddle Road, Comox. BC 026-997·266 Lot A, Plan VIP82713, District Lot 110, Comox Land District 15 CR-1 • Coun Residential 1 0.156 hectares Site Vlalt Conducted b Dm of Site Vlalt Current/Hlatortcal Prior to 2004.
    [Show full text]
  • Order in Council 3735/1967
    3735. Approved and ordered this 8th day of December At the Executive Council Chamber, Victoria, Lieutenant-Governor. PRESENT: The Honourable in the Chair. Mr. Bennett Mr. Campbell Mr. Williston Mr. Brothers Mr. Loffmark Mr. Chant Mr. Kiernan Mr. a.McCarthy Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. 10 Mr. Mr. To His Honour The Lieutenant-Governor in Council: ' The undersigned has the honour to re port /,J^'/THAT the Regional District of Comox Valley was incorporated by / Letters Patent issued the 19th day of August, 1965: AND THAT the Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital "istrict was incorporated by Letters Patent issued by Order-in-Council approved the date hereof: AND THAT the said Regional Hospital District includes the Regional District of Comox Valley, School District No. 72 (Campbell River), and School District No. 84 (Vancouver Island West), which School Districts are not included within the said Regional District: AND THAT it is desirable that the name of the regional district be changed to the "Regional District of Comox-Strathcona": AND TO RECOMMEND THAT pursuant to the provisions of sections 766A and 766 of the "Municipal Act" supplementary Letters Patent for the Regional District of Comox Valley do issue in the form attached hereto. DATED this I day of A.D. 1967. Za_.7.tatet Minister of Municipal Affairs. APPROVED this clay of ..,ete- A.D. 1967. Predin K) Mbmber o t e Executive Council.i/ itt Lieutenant-Governor. CANADA PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ELIZABETH the SECOND, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
    [Show full text]
  • Lieutenant Governor CANADA PRO VINCIE of BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Lieutenant Governor CANADA PRO VINCIE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ELIZABETH the SECOND, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her Other Realms and Territories, Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. To all to whom these presents shall come—GREETING. / /: Minister of Community Sejviqes and Minister Responsible for nprs' and Women's Issues WHEREAS the Comox Stratheona Regional District was incorporated by Letters Patent issued on August 19, 1965; AND WHEREAS the Comox Strathcona Regional District is being divided into the Comox Valley Regional District and the Strathcona Regional District to correspond to the geographic and economic communities in this region of British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the Comox Valley Regional District will be required to establish a regional water supply commission and, by order in council, to develop and adopt a regional growth strategy; NOW KNOW YE THAT by these presents, We do order and proclaim the following, effective February 15, 2008: PART 1 — DEFINITIONS Definitions In these letters patent: "Act" means the Local Government Act; "regional district" means the regional district incorporated under section 2; "Strathcona Regional District" means the Stratheona Regional District incorporated on February 15, 2008. PART 2 — INCORPORATION OF REGIONAL DISTRICT Incorporation 2 The residents of the area within the boundaries described in section 3 are incorporated into a regional district under the name "Comox Valley Regional District". Boundaries 3 The boundaries of the regional district are
    [Show full text]
  • Co Cil Agenda
    DISTRICT OFCAMPBELL RIVER CO CIL AGENDA REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, MONDAY, JULY 26,2004 at 6:30p.m.in the District of Campbell River Council Chambers (MainLevel),301St.Ann'sRoad,Campbell River, BC. The agenda presents the recommendations extracted from the reports that comprise the agenda background package. To request a copy of a specific report, please contact the appropriate department. OPEN PORTION OF MEETING AT 7:30 P.M. FOLLOWING THE IN-CAMERA BUSINESS IN-CAMERA BUSINESS: "THAT Council move In-Camera under the authority of Section 90(1)(c)(d)(e) of the Community Charter. " 1. DELEGATIONS: (a) Ken Matthews, Timber Sales Manager, Strait of Georgia Business Area, Ministry of 5 Forests regarding BC Timber Sales - letter and presentation information included. (B.C. Timber Sales information booklet - limited circulation). "THAT the letter and presentation information from Ken Matthews, Timber Sales Manager, Strait of Georgia Business Area, Ministry of Forests regarding BC Timber Sales be received. " (b) Ian Hay and Ray Hughes of the Campbell River (Noon Hour) Rotary Club to discuss the Club's desire to replace the existing bathhouse at Centennial Pool at no cost to the District, as the next Rotary project. (c) Calvin and Cindy Headrick, Owners of 635 Evergreen Road regarding Official Community Plan and Rezoning Application for 635 Evergreen Road {Refer to Item 3 (c)}. 2. STAFF REPORTS: A. Administrator: B. Municipal Services Division: C. Corporate Services Division: (i) Statement of Revenue & Expenses as at June 30, 2004. (Limited circulation). "THAT the Statement of Revenue & Expenses as at June 30, 2004 be received. " D.
    [Show full text]