New findings from recent research on jade artifacts discovered to the east of the Rocky Mountains have illuminated the extensive Indigenous trade networks that once spanned pre-colonial Western Canada. Over a span of more than 3,000 years, nephrite jade pieces were meticulously shaped into tools like blades, chisels, and axe heads. These tools, crafted from a highly durable stone with hues of emerald green, black, yellow, and white, were crucial for central and coastal Salish communities in the Pacific Northwest for woodworking activities essential for daily life.
While the origins of these stone tools can be traced back to quarries in British Columbia, some of these artifacts have been found as far east as Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The Archaeological Survey of Alberta, headquartered in Edmonton, conducted a peer-reviewed study in collaboration with researchers from the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, and Royal Saskatchewan Museum, shedding light on the significance of these tools, known as stone celts, as prized items in the Prairies.
The research suggests that these jade artifacts, initially crafted in British Columbia, were traded to Dene and Cree communities east of the Rockies through extensive pre-contact trade networks that transcended cultural and linguistic boundaries. Todd Kristensen, regional archaeologist with the Archaeological Survey of Alberta and lead author of the study, noted that the distribution of these artifacts signifies the formation of large social networks among Indigenous peoples across Western Canada.
The study aimed to address long-standing anthropological questions regarding the use of nephrite by pre-contact populations in British Columbia and its presence east of the Rockies. Through advanced testing methods like portable X-ray fluorescence, gamma spectrometry, and specific gravity testing, researchers confirmed that each celt originated from the Fraser River region of British Columbia. The study revealed that, on average, these celts traveled nearly 850 kilometers from their source, with some covering distances of almost 1,500 kilometers.
Several hypotheses were proposed regarding the potential routes through which these artifacts traversed the continent. The study suggests that Interior Salish artisans may have traded with neighboring Dene groups, who then carried the celts eastward across the Rockies to share with Dene relatives and ancestral Cree communities. Additionally, Dene groups traveling west from northern Alberta for trade gatherings on the Fraser River might have acquired the celts and returned with them. Alternatively, Salish groups journeying east into Alberta’s mountain river valleys may have engaged in direct trade with western Dene communities.
Manufacturing a nephrite celt entailed laborious grinding and polishing processes, with smaller pieces requiring over 100 hours of work and larger ones up to 500 hours. The celts found in the Pacific Northwest were continuously maintained and used as tools across generations, but those unearthed in parklands and boreal forests showed minimal wear and were notably larger, indicating their transformation into prestige items as they traveled further.
Kristensen likened these stone celts to cherished possessions displayed for their sentimental value, emphasizing the importance of the relationships that facilitated their exchange. The study challenges the notion of pre-contact Indigenous groups as isolated hunter-gatherers, highlighting the significance of human connections and long-distance travel across the western landscape. Engaging with Indigenous communities and blending scientific data with traditional oral histories remains a key focus for future research endeavors.