Sawdust Bay and its Role in the Interpretation of Ottawa Valley Archaeology


Hugh J. Daechsel
Heritage Quest Inc.
Kingston, Ontario

Abstract:  The role of small sites in the interpretation of the Eastern 
Ontario Middle Woodland period is evaluated through a re-examination of 
Sawdust Bay 2, a small, seasonal campsite located on the Ottawa River. 
This site, featuring a ceramic assemblage with a predominance of 
pseudo-scallop shell impressions and utilization of local cherts, has been 
identified as part of the Ottawa Valley Phase within the Point Penisula 
Tradition (Daechsel 1981). Subsequent research in Eastern Ontario has 
provided a more substantial understanding of the temporal sequences of 
Middle Woodland ceramics (Watson 1992). A considerable number of 
additional Middle Woodland sites have also been identified but very few 
have been investigated. The results of these investigations suggest 
patterns of regionalization for Middle Woodland Period populations. 
Excavation and analysis of assemblages from smaller sites hold considerable 
promise in further understanding these patterns in Eastern Ontario.