Archaeological Context: Chapter One Understanding Cultural/Natural Setting

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary focus of archaeological context?

The specific type of activity area

The linguistic derivation

The Cartesian system

The natural and cultural setting (correct)

What is the distinction between primary and secondary context in archaeology?

Primary context is related to horizontal control, while secondary context is vertical control.

Primary context is the original context of use and deposition, while secondary context involves re-use of materials. (correct)

Primary context is no longer in the original setting, while secondary context is the original context.

Primary context involves re-use of materials, while secondary context is the original context.

What do archaeologists refer to as an artifact?

An ancient building structure

A natural rock formation

Any object created or modified by human behavior (correct)

A plant species native to the area

How do archaeologists establish horizontal control during excavations?

Establish Datum Cartesian system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered an ecofact in archaeology?

Remains of plants, animals, or sediments resulting from human activity Signup and view all the answers

What method is NOT used for chronometric dating in archaeology?

Linguistic analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of excavation in archaeology?

To find and record buried human-related materials from the past Signup and view all the answers

What does thermoluminescence dating help archaeologists determine?

The age of an artifact Signup and view all the answers

In archaeology, what is defined as a feature?

An immovable structure or layer in the ground with archaeological significance Signup and view all the answers

Which method is used for dating archaeological sites in the old world?

Potassium–argon dating Signup and view all the answers

When archaeologists conduct a survey, what are they searching for?

Artifacts and archaeological sites on the ground Signup and view all the answers

Archaeological context refers to:

The setting and associations of an artifact within an archaeological site Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between relative dating and absolute dating?

Relative dating provides a sequence of 'older' and 'younger', while absolute dating provides calendar dates Signup and view all the answers

What does the Law of Superposition state?

Deeper stratigraphic layers are older than those above them Signup and view all the answers

Which dating technique examines how one cultural style replaces another over time?

Seriation Signup and view all the answers

What is dendrochronology based on?

Analysis of tree-ring sequences Signup and view all the answers

What is Radiocarbon Dating based on?

Decay of Carbon-14 isotopes in living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of Carbon-14 in Radiocarbon Dating?

5730 years Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to determine when an organic artifact died?

C-14 level Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of years that radiocarbon dating can be used for?

50,000 to 1800 years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which radioactive isotope decays into Ar-40 in potassium-argon dating?

K-40 Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of K-40 in potassium-argon dating?

1.248 billion years Signup and view all the answers

Why is potassium-argon dating only suitable for sites older than 100,000 years old?

Due to the long half-life of K-40 Signup and view all the answers

What type of artifact can be dated using radiocarbon dating?

Ceramic Artifact Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source for data relevant to humanity's story?

Archaeological record Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text mention that cultural heritage belongs to all of us?

To show the representation of all peoples' heritage Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the uses of cultural heritage mentioned in the text?

Preserving the history of specific groups Signup and view all the answers

Despite international agreements and laws, what is a challenge related to cultural heritage mentioned in the text?

Unequal protection of heritage sites Signup and view all the answers

In what chapter should you look for more information on Indigenous Archaeology?

Chapter 1: Who owns the past? Signup and view all the answers