Artifact Analysis

Definition

Artifact analysis is the systematic examination and study of physical objects or remnants left behind by past human societies. It is a core method within the field of archaeology, a subfield of anthropology, that provides insights into the cultural, technological, and behavioral aspects of past human civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifact analysis involves the systematic identification, classification, and interpretation of physical objects found in archaeological contexts.
2. The study of artifacts can reveal information about the technology, subsistence strategies, social organization, and symbolic systems of past societies.
3. Archaeologists use a variety of analytical techniques, such as microscopic analysis, chemical analysis, and experimental archaeology, to study the physical and functional properties of artifacts.
4. The context in which an artifact is found, such as its spatial location and association with other artifacts, can provide important clues about its use and the broader cultural practices of the society that produced it.
5. Artifact analysis is a key component of the four-field approach in anthropology, as it contributes to the understanding of the material, social, and cultural dimensions of human behavior.

Review Questions

• Explain how artifact analysis contributes to the four-field approach in anthropology.
  • Artifact analysis is a crucial component of the four-field approach in anthropology, as it provides insights into the material, social, and cultural dimensions of past human societies. By studying the physical remains and material culture left behind by these societies, archaeologists can gather information about their technology, subsistence strategies, social organization, and symbolic systems. This information, in turn, can be integrated with the other three fields of anthropology – cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology – to develop a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior, evolution, and diversity.
• Describe the role of context in artifact analysis and how it can inform our understanding of past human societies.
  • The context in which an artifact is found is crucial for understanding its function and the broader cultural practices of the society that produced it. Archaeologists carefully document the spatial location of artifacts, as well as their association with other objects, features, and environmental conditions. This contextual information can provide clues about how the artifact was used, who used it, and the social and cultural significance it held within the society. By analyzing the context of artifacts, archaeologists can reconstruct past human activities, social organization, and the ways in which material culture was integrated into the daily lives of individuals and communities.
• Evaluate the various analytical techniques used in artifact analysis and how they contribute to our understanding of past human societies.
  • Artifact analysis employs a range of analytical techniques that can provide detailed information about the physical and functional properties of objects. Microscopic analysis, for example, can reveal the manufacturing techniques and raw materials used in the production of an artifact, while chemical analysis can identify the composition and provenance of the materials. Experimental archaeology, where archaeologists recreate the production and use of artifacts, can shed light on the technological capabilities and practical applications of past human societies. By integrating these diverse analytical techniques, archaeologists can develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the material culture and the broader social, economic, and cultural contexts in which it was embedded. The insights gained from these analytical approaches are crucial for reconstructing the lifeways and worldviews of past human communities.

Related terms

Archaeology: The scientific study of the human past through the examination of physical evidence, such as artifacts, architecture, and other material remains.

Material Culture: The physical objects, tools, and technologies created and used by a particular society or group, which can reveal information about their cultural practices and beliefs.

Stratigraphy: The study of the layers or strata of soil and sediment in an archaeological site, which can provide information about the chronological sequence of human occupation and activities.