Mystery of the Lost Red Paint People - Movie Review Example

In the film, scientists trace clues left by an advanced practically unknown ancient culture named the Maritime Archaic, which inhabited the region about 7,000 years ago (Fitzhugh 1). They are referred to as the red paint people courtesy of the large quantities of red ochre found after excavations of their sites. They are said to have had well-developed seafaring know-how. This might be connected to comparable cultures of the same era in time, in northern Europe. Documented discoveries have revealed an unknown culture, which is the most advanced Native American culture to have ever inhabited the northwest Atlantic region (Fitzhugh 1).

The film focuses on the development of knowledge regarding this culture. It shows how scientists found that sites in Labrador, Newfoundland, and coastal Maine have similarities in types of artifacts, use of resources, and burial structure. This supports their view that the “red paint people” symbolize a widespread, skilled, intensive adaptation with intensely held and supportive spiritual belief (Fitzhugh 1). It is interesting to note how long it has taken the Maritime Archaic culture to be unearthed, despite their seemingly advanced technology in seafaring and close cultural links with widespread geographical regions.

They seem to have disappeared shortly after their existence (Fitzhugh 1).