Explore 50 years of archaeological discoveries in Quebec. This exhibition brings together some 210 exceptional pieces, many of which are being displayed for the first time. It highlights the rich and varied archaeological collections of Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications, Pointe-à-Callière and Parks Canada, as well as other important collections. Discovered underground or underwater, the fragments of humanity it presents tell stories that reveal different aspects of our history.
A travelling exhibition developed by Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, and with the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Photo: Jacques Beardsell © Laboratoire et Réserve d’archéologie du Québec, MCC
Illustration: Catherine Trottier
Here since 12,000 years
Video: © Pointe-à-Callière
The Exhibition in Pictures
DugoutPointe-du-Buisson, Musée québécois d’archéologie
© Alain Vandal
Dugout canoe, dated from the 15h century, restored after sitting 500 years underwater. It was carved out of a white pine between 1370 and 1510, that is, during the period preceding the arrival of the first Europeans in Quebec.Bird-shaped bannerstonePointe-du-Buisson, Musée québécois d’archéologie
© Alain Vandal
Slate bannerstone from the early Woodland period, possibly used to improve the range of spears or javelins used for hunting. Bannerstones disappeared as more efficient bows and arrows came into use.Dorset pendantAvataq Cultural Institute
© Photo Avataq
Dorset pendant made of ivory, discovered on the Nuvuk Islands, near Ivujivik (Nunavik). It shows a face and the outline of a marine mammal, possibly a seal.Glass beadsLaboratoire et Réserve d’archéologie du Québec, MCC
© Jacques Beardsell
These glass trade beads of various shapes, colours, and origins were exchanged on every trade network in the European colonies, and were highly prized among the First Peoples; they were used in combination with shell beads the natives were already making and using.Shaving bowlLaboratoire et Réserve d’archéologie du Québec, MCC
© Jacques Beardsell
Earthenware shaving bowl, dating from around 1755–1759, held at the neck by a servant or the user when shaving. Certain privileged men owned their own bowls, as the wealthy could afford home care.Toy carLaboratoire et Réserve archéologique du Québec, MCC
© Jacques Beardsell
Toy car made of tin, dating to the first quarter of the 20th century, from the site of Moulin Petit-Pré, in Château-Richer.ShoeWreck of the Machault, Cross Point, Chaleur Bay, Gaspé Peninsula. Parks Canada
© Luc Bouvrette
Among the artefacts recovered from the Machault were 232 pairs of shoes like this one… never worn. As tanned leather remains much better preserved than untreated hides, archaeologists sometimes find complete pairs of shoes on their dig sites.
Mark your calendar
Additional Videos
Making a stone projectile point
Montréal pipe makers
Shipwreck Secrets
Videos: © Pointe-à-Callière
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