Context

Definition

In archaeology, context refers to the relationship of artifacts, features, and other cultural materials to one another and their surrounding environment. Understanding context is crucial for interpreting how people lived, interacted with their environment, and the significance of specific finds within an excavation site.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Context helps archaeologists determine the function and meaning of artifacts by examining their spatial relationships and associations with other materials.
2. Artifacts found in primary context are in the original location where they were used or discarded, while secondary context refers to materials that have been disturbed or moved from their original setting.
3. The concept of context extends beyond just physical placement; it includes temporal aspects, such as how different layers relate to various time periods.
4. Maintaining context during excavation is vital for preserving the integrity of the archaeological record and ensuring accurate interpretations.
5. Field notes and detailed documentation during excavation help preserve context, providing future researchers with the necessary information to understand the relationships between artifacts.

Review Questions

• How does understanding context enhance our interpretation of archaeological findings?
  • Understanding context allows archaeologists to make sense of artifacts by examining their relationships with each other and their environment. This helps interpret how people used these items in their daily lives, their cultural significance, and how they interacted with their surroundings. Without this contextual framework, findings could be misinterpreted or undervalued.
• Discuss the differences between primary and secondary contexts in archaeology and their implications for data interpretation.
  • Primary context refers to artifacts found in their original position, providing reliable information about their use and association with other materials. Secondary context occurs when artifacts are disturbed or moved from their original locations, making it harder to draw accurate conclusions about their relationships. Understanding these differences is crucial because artifacts in primary contexts offer more dependable data for interpreting past human behavior compared to those in secondary contexts.
• Evaluate how the principles of stratigraphy contribute to our understanding of context in archaeological excavations.
  • Stratigraphy is essential for establishing a timeline of human activity at a site by analyzing the layers of soil and artifacts. Each layer represents a different period or event, allowing archaeologists to understand the chronological order of occupation and activity. By examining these layers, researchers can gain insights into cultural changes over time, as well as the relationships between artifacts found within specific strata. This evaluation of stratigraphy ultimately enhances our comprehension of context by situating finds within a broader historical narrative.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers (strata) and layering, which helps in understanding the chronological sequence of events at an archaeological site.

Provenience: The specific location where an artifact or feature is found, which provides essential information about its context within the site.

Matrix: The material surrounding artifacts, such as soil or sediment, that helps to provide context and clues about the conditions under which items were deposited.