Copper-based alloy artefacts from the Témiscamingue fur trade post (Quebec, Canada)

One hundred and forty-four artefacts from the collection of copper-based alloy specimens excavated from the site of Fort Témiscamingue (Western Quebec, Canada; late 16th to 18th centuries) were submitted to instrumental neutron activation analysis. While some specimens were brassy copper (high copper and very low zinc content), others were brass (lower copper and high zinc content). The brass artefacts confirm the indication based on historical documents of the settling of Fort Témiscamingue in the 1720 since metal Zn began to be produced in Europe by the beginning of the 18th century. The brassy copper artefacts could be containers made with 17th century techniques but still in use when Fort Témiscamingue was erected, or they could indicate direct or indirect trade with the French during the 17th century.