Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the three key components needed to understand artifacts, as per the acronym MAP?

  • Measurement, Analysis, Provenience
  • Material, Age, Production
  • Material, Age, Provenience (correct)
  • Method, Analysis, Provenience

    • What does the term 'systemic context' refer to in behavioural archaeology?

  • The context of pseudoarchaeology where artifacts are deliberately placed to mislead.
  • The location where artifacts are discarded and become part of the archaeological record.
  • The method archaeologists use to analyze artifacts in relation to their location.
  • The original cultural setting in which an artifact was used and exists. (correct)

    • According to the concept of the operational chain (chaîne opératoire), which of the following is the stage just before 'discard'?

  • Maintenance (correct)
  • Use
  • Manufacture
  • Procurement

    • What is the primary difference between 'refuse' and 'midden'?

    <p>Refuse is a single discarded artifact, while midden is an accumulation of refuse. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following concepts is based on a non-scientific viewpoint?

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

    Which of the following best describes cultural heritage?

    <p>The combined total of tangible and intangible materials, along with natural features claimed as integral parts of a culture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary distinction between an artifact and an ecofact?

    <p>Artifacts are made or modified by humans, while ecofacts are naturally occurring. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An archaeological feature is best described as:

    <p>An immovable aspect of the environment created by humans. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic defines an archaeological site?

    <p>A spatially discrete complex of associated structures, features, artifacts, and ecofacts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of 'archaeological culture'?

    <p>The shared set of normative behaviors and material culture of a particular society. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the 'matrix of artifacts' in archaeological context?

    <p>The layers of soil and sediment that surround an artifact. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The concept of 'association' among artifacts primarily suggests that:

    <p>Artifacts found together should be studied together to understand their context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the scope of the 'archaeological record'?

    <p>The totality of the remains of the past preserved in the world, including people, plants, animals and infrastructure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Provenience

    The relative location of artifacts that helps determine their context.

    Systemic Context

    The cultural environment where artifacts exist in daily life and go through various stages.

    Operational Chain

    The stages artifacts go through from creation to disposal: procurement, manufacture, use, maintenance, discard.

    Refuse

    Discarded artifacts that enter the archaeological record after their usable life is over.

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    Pseudoarchaeology

    Archaeological practices that lack scientific validity or truth.

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    Cultural Heritage

    The sum total of tangible and intangible materials, plus natural features important to a culture.

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    Archaeological Record

    Total remains from the past preserved worldwide, including artifacts and eco facts.

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    Artifact

    A portable object made or altered by humans, often considered as belongings of ancestors.

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    Eco Fact

    Naturally occurring elements from the environment relevant to human experience, not modified by people.

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    Archaeological Feature

    An immovable human-created aspect of the environment that includes artifacts and eco facts in a space.

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    Archaeological Site

    A defined area containing structures, features, artifacts, and eco facts, with clear boundaries.

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    Archaeological Culture

    Unique non-biological traits and material culture shared by a specific society.

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    Context

    The matrix and associations of artifacts, explaining their relationships and background.

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    Study Notes

    Cultural Heritage

    • Represents the combination of tangible and intangible cultural elements, plus natural features, deemed integral to a culture.

    Archaeological Record

    • Encompasses all past remains preserved globally, or more specifically, in particular regions.
    • Includes traces of humans, plants, animals, infrastructure, and more.

    Artifact

    • A discrete, portable object made or altered by humans.
    • A modern shift emphasizes artifacts as "belongings," highlighting their connection to past owners and usage.
    • Made from materials like ceramics, cloth, and bone.

    Ecofact

    • Naturally occurring environmental components, like animal bones and seeds, associated with human activity but not crafted by humans.
    • Examples include skulls or bones from a kill site (buffalo jump)

    Archaeological Feature

    • A non-movable element of the environment, created by humans.
    • Associated with sets of artifacts or ecofacts in a given space.

    Archaeological Structure

    • A constructed building or part of a building, used or created within an archaeological culture.

    Archaeological Site

    • A geographically defined area containing associated structures, features, artifacts, and ecofacts.
    • The area is spatially discrete, having definite boundaries.

    Archaeological Culture

    • Distinct non-biological characteristics of a specific society, and/or shared material culture.

    Archaeological Region

    • Geographical area associated with a specific archaeological culture.

    Archaeological Chronology

    • Time period connected to a specific archaeological culture.
    • Can be further broken down by region.

    Context

    • Matrix of Artifacts: The material surrounding an artifact (e.g., the soil it's buried in).
    • Association Among Artifacts: Items found together are studied together, as their proximity implies a relationship. (e.g., a hearth/firepit – individual stones have no context, but all are meaningful together).
    • Provenience (Relative Location): The location of an artifact relative to other artifacts and features (using maps).
    • These three factors are crucial for understanding artifacts.

    The Quest for Site Q

    • In 2008, the location of 23 sculptures, of unknown origin, was discovered.
    • Further excavation of this site created a significant archaeological site.

    Schiffer (1976)

    • Developed behavioral archaeology.

    Systemic Context and Archaeological Context (using lithic tools as an example)

    • Systemic Context: Artifact's location during the time it was actively used within its culture.
      • Operational Chains / Chain opératoire: Stages an artifact goes through:
        • Procurement: Taking resources (e.g., rocks from a quarry).
        • Manufacture: Creating the artifact (e.g., making stone tools).
        • Use: Utilizing the artifact (e.g., hunting with the tool).
        • Maintenance: Maintaining the artifact (e.g., sharpening a stone tool).
        • Discard: Retiring the artifact when no longer functional.
    • Archaeological Context: Artifacts once discarded become refuse and are part of the archaeological record.
    • Midden: Accumulation of refuse (often a trash pile/landfill).

    Pseudoarchaeology

    • Represents inaccurate or fabricated archaeological interpretations.

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    Description

    This quiz explores key concepts in cultural heritage and archaeology, highlighting the importance of tangible and intangible cultural elements along with archaeological records. It covers artifacts, ecofacts, features, and structures that define the human past and our relationship with the environment. Test your knowledge on how these components contribute to understanding our cultural history.

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