Exploitation des ivoires marins dans les sociétés de l'Arctique de l'Est nord-américain (∼ 2500 BC-1900 AD)

To present an overview of the evolution of the tool-kit and the technical practices from the first occupations of the Arctic until historic periods, the Foxe Basin region, including the Hudson Strait in his southern part, as well as the western coast of Greenland, have been taken as a case study. While around the Foxe Basin the exploitation of walrus tusks widely prevailed during Pre-Dorset and Dorset times (Paleoeskimo), it becomes more and more marginal for the Thule period (Neoeskimo), being gradually replaced by that of whalebone. In contrast, the exploitation of walrus and narwhal tusks is frequent for the Thule times on the northwestern coast of Greenland. The large quantity and diversity of ivory artefacts permit to get an overview of all the activities practiced by the Arctic societies: hunting, transportation, domestic and symbolic activities.