:::Archaeology:::

Chapter Summary

Practice Quizzes

The physical remains of humanly made artifacts form the bulk of the archaeological record. The artifacts that are found by archaeologists may not represent the range of objects actually used because certain materials preserve better than others. For this reason, stone tools and ceramics dominate the archaeological record. Objects made of fabric, cord, skin, and other organic materials no doubt date back to the very earliest archaeological periods but they rarely survive. The introduction of pottery in a culture seems to coincide with the adoption of a sedentary way of life.

Ethnography and ethnoarchaeology can shed light on questions concerning technology as many modern cultural groups make tools and pottery that are similar to those used in the past. Experimental archaeology also helps researchers understand how artifacts were made and what they were used for. Many archaeologists have become proficient in activities like stone tool manufacture for just this reason. Despite the indications offered by ethnography and experimental archaeology, only microwear studies can prove how a stone tool was used and what material it was used on.

Stone tools are often made by removing material from a pebble, known as a core, until a desired shape is obtained. The flakes removed from the core can also be used as tools in their own right. Long parallel-sided blades, however, dominate in some parts of the world. Because blades are removed from a core systematically a large number of tools can be produced while very little raw material is wasted.

Copper was the most important metal used in early times. The alloying of copper to produce bronze represents a significant step forward in metallurgical practice: the resulting alloy is both stronger and less brittle than copper alone. There are many different methods by which metal objects can be manufactured including stamping, engraving, filigree and granulation. The method of manufacture of a metal object can usually be established on sight.

Key Concept Identifications

You should be familiar with the meaning and importance of each of the following terms:

Are they Artifacts at All?

Stone Tool Manufacture

Refitting of Stone Tools

Identifying the Function of Stone Tools: Microwear Studies

Synthetic Materials

Pottery

Faience and Glass

Archaeometallurgy

Alloying

Fine Metalwork