Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best defines 'cultural heritage'?
Which of the following best defines 'cultural heritage'?
- A time frame associated with a specific geographical area for a culture.
- The sum of tangible and intangible materials, including natural features, that a culture claims as integral. (correct)
- The analysis of human behavior through the study of artifacts.
- The study of ancient civilizations through their material remains.
What is the primary difference between an artifact and an ecofact?
What is the primary difference between an artifact and an ecofact?
- An artifact is immovable; an ecofact is portable.
- An artifact is associated with a culture, and an ecofact is associated with nature.
- An artifact can only be found in structures, while ecofacts are always found in matrix
- An artifact is made or modified by humans, while an ecofact is naturally occurring. (correct)
Which of the following best describes an archaeological feature?
Which of the following best describes an archaeological feature?
- A spatially discrete complex of associated structures, features, artifacts and eco facts.
- A portable object made or modified by humans.
- An immovable aspect of the environment that has been created or modified by humans. (correct)
- A naturally occurring element of the environment associated with human activity.
What does the term 'archaeological site' refer to?
What does the term 'archaeological site' refer to?
What does the concept of 'archaeological context' primarily emphasize in studying artifacts and ecofacts?
What does the concept of 'archaeological context' primarily emphasize in studying artifacts and ecofacts?
How is an 'archaeological culture' defined?
How is an 'archaeological culture' defined?
A collection of animal bones and seeds found at a settlement that have been included in a dwelling would be classified as:
A collection of animal bones and seeds found at a settlement that have been included in a dwelling would be classified as:
A hearth, composed of many fire-cracked stones, in archaeological context, would be best described as:
A hearth, composed of many fire-cracked stones, in archaeological context, would be best described as:
Flashcards
Provenience
Provenience
The relative location of an artifact within its archaeological context.
Behavioural Archaeology
Behavioural Archaeology
An approach founded by Schiffer in 1976 that studies the actions surrounding artifacts.
Systemic Context
Systemic Context
The cultural environment in which an artifact was used, including its life stages.
Operational Chain
Operational Chain
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Refuse
Refuse
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Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage
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Archaeological Record
Archaeological Record
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Artifact
Artifact
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Eco fact
Eco fact
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Archaeological Feature
Archaeological Feature
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Archaeological Site
Archaeological Site
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Archaeological Culture
Archaeological Culture
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Context
Context
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Study Notes
Cultural Heritage
- Encompasses tangible and intangible materials, and natural features, integral to a culture.
Archaeological Record
- The preserved remains of the past, encompassing people, plants, animals, infrastructure.
- Potentially a more specific reference to areas of the world.
Artifact
- A portable object made or modified by humans.
- Now often viewed as personal belongings, used and owned by ancestors.
- Examples include ceramics, cloth, bone.
Ecofact
- Naturally occurring aspects of the environment, part of human experience, but not made by humans.
- Examples include animal bones and seeds.
- Sometimes found in locations like buffalo jump sites with skulls. (ie)
Archaeological Feature
- An immovable aspect of the environment shaped by humans.
- Associated with artifacts and ecofacts.
Archaeological Structure
- A created or used building or feature by an archaeological culture.
Archaeological Site
- A discrete area with structures, features, artifacts, and ecofacts in spatial association.
- Has defined boundaries.
Archaeological Culture
- The non-biological aspects unique to a society.
- Includes a shared set of material culture norms.
Archaeological Region
- The geographical area associated with an archaeological culture.
Archaeological Chronology
- The timeline associated with an archaeological culture.
- Can be subdivided by region.
Context
- Matrix of Artifacts: The material surrounding the artifact.
- Association: Artifacts found together are studied together. (Example: a fire pit).
- Provenience: The relative position of artifacts.
- Understanding these three aspects is crucial for interpreting artifacts.
The Quest for Site Q
- In 2008, the location of 23 sculptures with unknown origins was found.
- Extensive excavation occurred, creating a significant archaeological site.
Schiffer (1976)
- A key figure in behavioural archaeology.
Systemic Context and Archaeological Context (Lithic Tools Example)
- Systemic Context Artifacts in their original, lived-in cultural setting.
- Operational Chain/Chain Operatoire: Stages in an artifact's creation and use.
- Procurement: Gathering raw materials (e.g., rocks in a quarry)
- Manufacture: Creating the artifact (e.g., making stone tools).
- Use: Employing the artifact (e.g., using a stone tool to hunt).
- Maintenance: Maintaining tool functionality (e.g., resharpening a stone tool).
- Discard: Discarding the artifact at the end of its life (e.g. discarding stone tool).
- Refuse: Discarded artifacts that enter the archaeological record.
- Midden: Accumulation of refuse. (Trash pile, landfill)
Pseudoarchaeology
- A fabricated or alternative explanation of archaeological findings.
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