Archaeology Quiz on Key Concepts
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Questions and Answers

What can ecofacts reveal about past human behavior?

  • Cultural practices and traditions
  • Environmental conditions and resource use (correct)
  • Technological advancements
  • Political structures

Processual archaeology is primarily concerned with human agency and individual experiences.

False (B)

Explain the law of superposition in archaeological stratigraphy.

The law of superposition states that in undisturbed strata, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the younger layers are at the top.

The __________ approach in archaeology emphasizes science and hypothesis testing.

<p>processual</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following archaeologists with their contributions:

<p>A.V. Kidder = Ceramics as time markers Boucher de Perthes = Discovery of prehistoric tools Binford = Processual archaeology Marx = Influence on social evolution theories</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does historical archaeology align most closely with postprocessual archaeology?

<p>Emphasis on power and ideology (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The gumshoe survey is a systematic and formal method of surveying archaeological sites.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key difference between processual and postprocessual archaeology?

<p>Processual archaeology focuses on scientific methods and general explanations, while postprocessual archaeology emphasizes human agency and cultural meanings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of dating method involves arranging artifacts in a sequence based on stylistic changes over time?

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

The Beringia Standstill hypothesis suggests that human populations moved freely during the last glacial maximum.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes historical archaeology from other archaeological practices?

<p>Historical archaeology combines the study of material culture with written records, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of past societies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Clovis culture is generally dated to around ___ years ago.

<p>13,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following archaeological terms with their definitions:

<p>Provenience = An artifact's location in relation to the ground Ecofacts = Natural objects found at sites Clovis points = Distinctive stone tools of the Clovis culture Dendrochronology = Dating method based on tree rings</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which site provided evidence of pre-Clovis human occupation?

<p>Meadowcroft Rockshelter (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The method that uses the decay of carbon isotopes to date organic materials is called ___ dating.

<p>radiocarbon</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the African Burial Ground excavation considered important for historical archaeology?

<p>The African Burial Ground excavation is important because it reveals the lives and histories of African Americans, and community involvement played a crucial role in shaping the research approach and interpretation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves collecting data while inherently destroying context?

<p>Excavation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Law of Superposition states that older layers are located above newer layers.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of provenience in archaeology?

<p>Provenience indicates the precise location of artifacts and helps understand their context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Clovis Points?

<p>Distinctive stone tools, often hafted to spears (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ method is used to study changes in plant remains from archaeological contexts.

<p>Paleoethnobotany</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the dating method with its description:

<p>Dendrochronology = Tree ring dating Radiocarbon Dating = Carbon decay dating for organic materials Seriation = Relative dating based on artifact frequency changes Stratigraphy = Analysis of layer sequences in archaeological sites</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Beringia Standstill Hypothesis suggests that populations migrated rapidly through Beringia during glacial maximum.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'social organization' refer to in a community?

<p>Rules governing relationships in a community.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sites is associated with controversies regarding early human presence in the Americas?

<p>Meadowcroft Rockshelter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Radiocarbon dating can be used for dating inorganic materials.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ranked Mississippian society, __________ status refers to social standing that is earned through actions.

<p>achieved</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one factor that affects the preservation of archaeological remains.

<p>Moisture, temperature, or oxygen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their contributions to historical archaeology:

<p>J.Deetz = Material culture and documentary record in the last 500 years K.Deagan = Focus on colonialism and interactions among Indigenous, Europeans, and Africans M.Leone = Critique of capitalism and social control through material culture Col Wbrg = Current focus on African American experiences and modern labor connections</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'intersectionality' play in social contexts?

<p>It shows how different social categories interact. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The discovery at the African Burial Ground (1991) involved an ancient European burial site.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'gender bias in archaeology'?

<p>Historical male dominance and unrecognized assumptions within archaeological interpretations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Beringia Standstill hypothesis

The theory suggesting human populations were stalled in Beringia during the last glacial maximum.

Monte Verde

A site in Chile dated to around 14,500 BP, with evidence of early coastal adaptation.

Clovis points

Distinctive stone tools associated with the Clovis culture.

Dendrochronology

The method for dating based on tree rings.

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Radiocarbon dating

A method using carbon isotopes to date organic materials.

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Historical Archaeology

Archaeology combining the study of material culture with written records.

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Ecofacts

Natural objects found at archaeological sites.

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Provenance

An artifact's exact location in relation to the ground or other artifacts.

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Ecofacts vs. Artifacts

Ecofacts are natural objects used or affected by humans—like animal bones at a site—while artifacts are objects made by humans. Ecofacts reveal human-environment interactions.

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Processual vs. Postprocessual Archaeology

Processual archaeology focuses on the scientific methods and adaptations; postprocessual archaeology explores the societies and thoughts that produced past cultures and actions.

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Law of Superposition

In undisturbed layers, the oldest layer is on the bottom, and the youngest on top.

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Stratigraphy

The study of rock layers and their relationships, aiding in understanding the chronological order of events at an archaeologic site, and how that links to layers.

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Historical Archaeology

The study of societies that left written records.

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NAGPRA

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act -- a US law addressing the ethical treatment of Native American remains and artifacts in archaeology.

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Survey in Archaeology

Systematic or unsystematic research done to look for archaeological sites—to understand settlement patterns and landscapes.

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Settlement Pattern

Arrangement of locations and settlements of people in a given landscape.

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Pre-Clovis Controversy

Debate about human arrival in the Americas before the Clovis culture.

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Social Organization

Rules and structures governing relationships within a community.

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Gender Roles

Socially created expectations of behaviors for men and women.

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Middle-Range Theory

Connecting material remains to past activities, behaviours and social life.

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Historical Archaeology

Using archaeological methods to study the recent past, often incorporating written records.

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Jamestown Rediscovery

Archaeological project excavating the original 1607 Jamestown fort, focusing on the "Starving Time".

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African Burial Ground

Historical site unearthing Enslaved Africans' remains, emphasizing community participation and ethical considerations.

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Social Status

A person's standing within a social group, either earned or assigned.

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Excavation Methods

Strategies used to dig up and analyze archaeological sites, varying from broad surface surveys to deep stratigraphic digs.

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Bias in Archaeology

Preconceived notions or preferences that may influence interpretations of archaeological evidence.

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Context & Provenience

The importance of understanding the location and association of artifacts to gain meaningful insights.

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Absolute vs. Relative Dating

Absolute dating gives the exact age of an artifact, while relative dating orders artifacts' ages in comparison to others.

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Diagnostic Artifacts

Specific artifacts uniquely associated with a time period (similar to index fossils in biology).

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Faunal Analysis

The study of animal remains recovered from sites used to determine animal presence and the ancient environment.

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Taphonomy

The process by which organisms become fossilized and how remains accumulate in an archaeological site.

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Peopling of Americas

The study of how the first people migrated and inhabited the Americas.

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Study Notes

Draft Test Format

  • 25 multiple choice questions (3 points each)
  • 5 fill-in-the-blank questions (4 points each)
  • 2 short-answer questions (5 points each)
  • Total points: 105
  • Maximum possible score: 100 (5 points extra credit possible)

Example Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  • Archaeologists study artifacts and... natural objects found at sites.
  • The theory that human populations were stalled in Beringia during the last glacial maximum is called the... Beringia Standstill Hypothesis.
  • An artifact that can be dated to a specific period based on its style or form is known as a... diagnostic artifact.
  • The law that states younger layers of soil are deposited above older layers is called the law of... superposition.
  • The method of dating based on tree rings is known as... dendrochronology.
  • Archaeologists at Monte Verde found evidence of a... adaptation, indicating coastal living.
  • Monte Verde is a site located in... Chile.
  • Archaeology that combines the study of material culture and written records is known as... historical archaeology.
  • The distinctive stone tools associated with the Clovis culture are called... Clovis points.
  • [Site in Pennsylvania that provided evidence of pre-Clovis human occupation]... Meadowcroft Rockshelter.
  • In archaeology, an artifact's exact location in relation to the ground or other artifacts is called its... provenience.
  • The first widely accepted evidence of humans in N America came from... a site in New Mexico.
  • [Type of relative dating method]... seriation.
  • The Clovis culture is generally dated to around... 13,000 years ago.
  • The method that uses the decay of carbon isotopes to date organic materials is called... radiocarbon dating (C14).

Historical Archaeology

  • Aligns most closely with... postprocessual archaeology.

Short Answer Examples

  • The significance of the Monte Verde site in challenging the Clovis-first model, and how it changes our understanding of early human migration in the Americas (answer in 2-3 sentences).
  • Why is archaeology unique in that it destroys its evidence as it collects data, and what methods do archaeologists use to mitigate this issue?
  • Why is the African Burial Ground excavation important for historical archaeology, and how did community involvement influence the project?
  • Role of ecofacts in archaeological analysis, difference from artifacts, and what they reveal about past human behavior
  • Key differences between processual and postprocessual archaeology, with an example of how they interpret an archaeological site differently
  • How archaeologists use the law of superposition and stratigraphy to date artifacts and understand the sequence of human activities at a site

History of Archaeology

  • Theoretical frameworks: Culture history, processual, post-processual
  • Key figures and discoveries: Boucher de Perthes, Darwin, Marx, Kennewick Man, NAGPRA
  • Developments in methods/approaches: Scientific methods, hypothesis testing, relative and absolute dating techniques (dendrochronology, radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy)
  • Paradigms: Processual, postprocessual

Structures of Inquiry.

  • Covers: Processual, postprocessual, and culture history approaches, including methods like hypothesis testing in cultural history
  • Include: Anthropology, bio-cultural, scientific & theoretical studies of humankind, self-correcting theories

Survey in Archaeology

  • Goals/methods: Find sites, understand landscapes, settlement patterns
  • Various approaches: Ground-penetrating radar, non-invasive surveying techniques, settlement pattern analysis

Excavation

  • Essential elements: Context and provenience, understanding context and location of finds, precise recording of artifacts

Dating

  • Approaches: Absolute (precise dates e.g., radiocarbon dating, diagnostic artifacts, index fossils) vs. relative (chronological order e.g., seriation, dendrochronology)

Plants and Animals

  • Subjects: Faunal and floral analysis (identifying remains), paleoethnobotany, ecofacts

Additional Topics

  • Social organization: Rules, gender, kinship, social status, ritual
  • Historical archaeology: Material culture, colonialism, indigenous, non-Western perspectives, combines archaeology & documentation
  • Important sites: Monte Verde, Meadowcroft Rockshelter, Jamestown

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Draft Test Format Review #1b PDF

Description

Test your knowledge about fundamental concepts in archaeology with this comprehensive quiz. It includes multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and short-answer questions to evaluate your understanding of critical theories and methods in the field. Perfect for students looking to refine their grasp on archaeological studies.

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