Archaelogic Activity

There are two main archaeologic sites that have been excavated in the vicinity of Makkovik… One was at Adlavik Islands and the other at Ford’s Bight (called Nisbet Harbour by Erhardt’s expedition in 1752).

Adlavik Island Peninsula

The site at Adlavik Islands is one of an ancient Inuit village that consists of the ruins of three large sod-houses that date to the period just prior to the arrival of the Moravian missionaries in 1750. (Dr. Stephen Loring)

To take a closer look at the Adlavik Islands site please click here.

Adlavik Islands
The Adlavik Island peninsula at Long Tickle. The view is to the north over the Adlavik Islands towards Cape Strawberry in the far distance. GgBq-1, the 18th century Inuit village site at Adlavik Harbour is situated at the base of the knoll pretty much in the center of the picture. It faces out to the tickle to the left. The remains of four mid-18th century Inuit sod houses were found here, they appear to date to just before or just around the arrival of the Moravian missionaries in 1750 A.D.

Nisbet Harbour

The second site is at Nisbet Harbour (or Hoffnungsthal). This site is of the first Moravian mission house in Labrador and through “the archaeological findings from Hoffnungsthal have granted an unparalleled picture of the material culture and building styles selected by the Moravians for their missionary expeditions in the mid-eighteenth century.” (Henry Cary)

To take a closer look at the preliminary findings and photos from Hoffnungsthal click here.

Hoffnungsthal mission station after excavation
The Hoffnungsthal mission station after excavation, facing northeast. The hearth is clearly visible in the centre and the stone steps and ramp can be seen in the foreground. The remains of the floor joists have been outlined with white string. (Photo by H. Cary)