Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

    <p>A spatially discrete area containing structures, features, artifacts, and ecofacts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of 'archaeological context' primarily emphasize in studying artifacts and ecofacts?

    <p>The relationship among the discovered materials and their surrounding environment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is an 'archaeological culture' defined?

    <p>The non-biological characteristics unique to a society, including shared material culture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A collection of animal bones and seeds found at a settlement that have been included in a dwelling would be classified as:

    <p>Ecofacts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A hearth, composed of many fire-cracked stones, in archaeological context, would be best described as:

    <p>A feature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Provenience

    The relative location of an artifact within its archaeological context.

    Behavioural Archaeology

    An approach founded by Schiffer in 1976 that studies the actions surrounding artifacts.

    Systemic Context

    The cultural environment in which an artifact was used, including its life stages.

    Operational Chain

    Stages in the life of an artifact from procurement to discard.

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    Refuse

    Discarded artifacts that enter the archaeological record after use.

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    Cultural Heritage

    The total of tangible and intangible elements of a culture, including natural features.

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    Archaeological Record

    The collection of all past remnants preserved in the world, including human and environmental findings.

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    Artifact

    A portable object made or modified by humans, viewed as 'belongings' of past people.

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    Eco fact

    Naturally occurring environmental elements related to human experience but not altered by humans.

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    Archaeological Feature

    Immovable aspects of the environment created by humans, often found with artifacts.

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    Archaeological Site

    A specific area with associated structures, features, artifacts, and eco facts.

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    Archaeological Culture

    Unique non-biological characteristics shared by a particular society, including material culture.

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    Context

    The surrounding environment and associations of artifacts, essential for archaeological study.

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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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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of archaeology and cultural heritage through this quiz. Delve into the definitions of artifacts, ecofacts, and archaeological features, while understanding their significance in human history. Test your knowledge on how these elements shape our understanding of past cultures.

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