2023 Quebec Field Report: Archaeology of a Basque Whaling Station in St. Paul River, Quebec Lower North Shore

Abstract

this report documents the ASC 2023 excavation of a small 16/17th century Basque whaling station in the northern Gulf of St. Lawrence in July/August 2023. finds included large amounts of baleen and both industrial and domestic materials from tryworks and food processing facilities. Besides Baleen, charcoal, nails, and ceramics, unusual finds included a soapstone tobacco pipe bowl, preserved fur and textiles, a leather boot, belt parts, and other materials.