Elemental Analysis of Ochre Outcrops in Southern British Columbia, Canada

Ochre is a red mineral pigment that was a key element of social and ceremonial practices among cultures of the P acific N orthwest C oast. It is recovered routinely from archaeological excavations, is visible as pigment for pictographs, and is described in the historical record as a trade item and component of ceremonial practices. Despite its ubiquity in the archaeological record, it is difficult to interpret its significance without first …