Norton tradition facts for kids

The Norton tradition was an ancient culture of people who lived in the Arctic part of Alaska. They lived along the coast of the Bering Strait from about 1000 BC to 800 AD. These people were skilled hunters and innovators. They used tools made from stone flakes, similar to earlier groups. But the Norton people were more focused on the ocean. They also brought new inventions like oil-burning lamps and clay pots.

The Norton people used both sea and land animals for food. They hunted caribou and smaller mammals. They also caught salmon and larger sea mammals. Their villages were often lived in for a long time. This is shown by the large houses found at their sites. During summer, they might have used small camps for hunting and fishing. But their main homes were kept and returned to after the hunting season. Around 700 BC, Norton people on St. Lawrence and other Bering Strait Islands became even more focused on the ocean. This led to a new culture called the Thule tradition.

Exploring the Norton Culture's Development

The Norton tradition is divided into three main periods. Each period shows how the culture changed over time.

The Choris Stage (about 1600—500 BC)

The first period is called the Choris Stage. It lasted from about 1600 BC to 500 BC. Most sites from this time are found along the coast in northwest Alaska. People in this stage made pottery with plant fibers mixed in. The pots were decorated with straight lines pressed into the clay. There were many differences in how communities made things. This might mean that groups lived somewhat separately. The Choris people built large oval houses. They hunted caribou and sea mammals. They also used pottery styles similar to those found in Siberia. They may have spread as far as the Mackenzie River Delta and Banks Island.

The Norton Stage (about 500 BC—800 AD)

The second period is simply called Norton. It lasted from about 500 BC to 800 AD. This stage is known for its focus on hunting caribou and fishing. Pottery became more advanced. It still had the Choris-style line patterns. But it also featured new patterns made by pressing a checkered tool onto the clay. This tool was often made from ivory. New tools appeared, including stone lamps and special stone knives. They also made spear points from ground slate stone.

The Ipiutak Stage (about 1—800 AD)

The final period is the Ipiutak Stage. It lasted from about 1 AD to 800 AD. This stage showed a more artistic side of the Norton Culture. Their technology was simpler in some ways. They did not use pottery, oil lamps, or slate tools as much. However, they made very beautiful harpoon heads. These harpoons were often decorated with fancy designs. Their art was mainly ivory carvings. They carved figures of animals and people. These people focused more on hunting sea mammals than the earlier stages. Their settlements were also very permanent.