Found in Toronto: Toronto’s Archaeological Past

New World Archaeology Technician April Hawkins recently dug through her various cabinets, drawers and collections and pulled out a few stunning artifacts from Toronto’s past. All of these artifacts will go on special display for International Archaeology Day on Saturday October 19th.

Check out the photos above, and their corresponding descriptions below to learn more about Toronto’s ancient history!

1. Slate Projectile Point

The ROM’s oldest confirmed artifact from Toronto (though we have a 10,000 year old Holcombe point found near Bathurst & Eglinton). This is a Laurentian Slate Point approximately 7000 years old from Withrow Ave.

Artifact Age: Middle Archaic period (8000-4500 Years Ago)

Middle Archaic period (8000-4500 Years Ago) Artifact Description: A Laurentian-Archaic slate projectile point with one barb broken.

A Laurentian-Archaic slate projectile point with one barb broken. Collection History: This projectile point was collected in 1886 by David Boyle, the original curator of the Ontario Provincial Museum. His collection of 50,000 objects formed the backbone of the ROM collection when it was transferred to the ROM in 1914.

This projectile point was collected in 1886 by David Boyle, the original curator of the Ontario Provincial Museum. His collection of 50,000 objects formed the backbone of the ROM collection when it was transferred to the ROM in 1914. Approximate Site Location: Withrow Ave.

2. Birdstone

Found on Quinn farm, Dufferin St, Toronto, sometime before 1896. 1 of 5 birdstones from Toronto!

Artifact Age: Late Archaic-Early Woodland period (4000 BC-100 AD)

Late Archaic-Early Woodland period (4000 BC-100 AD) Artifact Description: This birdstone was constructed from banded slate and biconically drilled. It would have been ‘pecked’ from a cobble and then biconically drilled with a bow drill, a wood bit and sand. A notch was removed to create the mouth and there are also notches at half-centimeter intervals along dorsal ridge. The eyes of the birdstone are raised but not flared.

This birdstone was constructed from banded slate and biconically drilled. It would have been ‘pecked’ from a cobble and then biconically drilled with a bow drill, a wood bit and sand. A notch was removed to create the mouth and there are also notches at half-centimeter intervals along dorsal ridge. The eyes of the birdstone are raised but not flared. Collection History: The birdstone was found on Quinn Farm, Dufferin St., Toronto, sometime before 1896.

The birdstone was found on Quinn Farm, Dufferin St., Toronto, sometime before 1896. Approximate Site Location: Dufferin and Bloor area

3. String of Beads

String of beads collected in 1884, at Baby Point, near Toronto’s Humber River. Can you spot the dark round glass bead with the white swirls near the middle? It may have been made in north Italy circa 1540!

Artifact Age: Precontact-Contact period (1500-1700 AD)

Precontact-Contact period (1500-1700 AD) Artifact Description: These Precontact and early Contact European trade beads are made of bone, shell and glass. One of these beads might be traced back to Milan circa 1550.

These Precontact and early Contact European trade beads are made of bone, shell and glass. One of these beads might be traced back to Milan circa 1550. Collection History: The beads were collected in 1884 by J.H. Fleming and James Kirkwood on the Baby Farm on the banks of the Humber River, an important portage site, named Teiaiagon.

The beads were collected in 1884 by J.H. Fleming and James Kirkwood on the Baby Farm on the banks of the Humber River, an important portage site, named Teiaiagon. Approximate Site Location: Baby Point

4. Small Ceramic Vessel

Tiny Late Woodland Ceramic Vessel, donated in 1949 by the Dunn family, reconstructed by the Dunn family prior to donation. Click the map to see where it was found in Toronto!

Artifact Age: Late Woodland-Precontact period (1450-1550 AD)

Late Woodland-Precontact period (1450-1550 AD) Artifact Description: This reconstructed “mini-pot” has incised shoulder decoration typical of Late Woodland period ceramics in Ontario. It was reconstructed by the Dunn family prior to donation.

This reconstructed “mini-pot” has incised shoulder decoration typical of Late Woodland period ceramics in Ontario. It was reconstructed by the Dunn family prior to donation. Collection History: This pot was donated in 1949 by L.M. Dunn along with 340 other artifacts from York County, Ontario.

This pot was donated in 1949 by L.M. Dunn along with 340 other artifacts from York County, Ontario. Approximate Site Location: West Downsview, close to Humber Valley

5. Copper Axe

Copper Axe, approximately 5000 years old, found at Avenue Road and Bedford Park, 30 cm below the surface. The ROM paid $4.50 for this and another artifact in 1933!

Artifact Age: Middle - Late Archaic period (7000-3000 Years Ago)

Middle - Late Archaic period (7000-3000 Years Ago) Artifact Description: This is an Archaic axe from the “Old Copper” tradition. This axe is likely made from very valuable and pure copper sourced from the Lake Superior basin and lake shores. Aesthetically enhanced functional objects like this axe were probably spiritually imbued and reflected the social prominence of the owner. Prestige objects like these were often included in graves.

This is an Archaic axe from the “Old Copper” tradition. This axe is likely made from very valuable and pure copper sourced from the Lake Superior basin and lake shores. Aesthetically enhanced functional objects like this axe were probably spiritually imbued and reflected the social prominence of the owner. Prestige objects like these were often included in graves. Collection History: For $4.50 in 1933 the museum purchased this and another stone tool from the same property. This axe was found 30 cm below ground by the homeowner.

For $4.50 in 1933 the museum purchased this and another stone tool from the same property. This axe was found 30 cm below ground by the homeowner. Approximate Site Location: Bedford Park Ave. at Avenue Rd.

6. Google map. View in more detail HERE.

More info!

Join us Saturday October 19 th for International Archaeology Day at the Museum! All the above artifacts will be on special display, and April will be in to talk about them!

for International Archaeology Day at the Museum! All the above artifacts will be on special display, and April will be in to talk about them! Photo and post by April Hawkins. Original post found HERE. Make sure to follow her on twitter HERE!

Guest Post By April Hawkins. Last Updated: October 13th, 2013.