Context

Definition

Context refers to the circumstances or background information surrounding an archaeological find, which can include the physical location, historical significance, and relationship to other artifacts or features. Understanding context is crucial in interpreting the meaning and significance of discoveries, as it helps archaeologists piece together how objects were used and their relevance to past cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sutton Hoo burial site features a ship grave that dates back to the early 7th century, revealing important insights about Anglo-Saxon burial practices.
2. The context of the Sutton Hoo find includes its location near the River Deben in Suffolk, which suggests a connection to trade routes and maritime activities.
3. Artifacts recovered from the site include weapons, jewelry, and everyday items, all of which help reconstruct the social status and culture of the buried individual.
4. The grave goods found in Sutton Hoo highlight the wealth and power of Anglo-Saxon elites during this period, shedding light on their societal structure.
5. Understanding context at Sutton Hoo allows archaeologists to interpret the significance of the burial as not just a personal loss but also as a display of wealth and influence in early medieval England.

Review Questions

• How does understanding context enhance our interpretation of the artifacts found at Sutton Hoo?
  • Understanding context enhances our interpretation by providing a framework within which the artifacts can be analyzed. For example, knowing that Sutton Hoo is a royal burial site informs us that the wealth displayed in artifacts like gold jewelry and weaponry signifies social status and power. This context helps us grasp not only what the artifacts were but also their role in demonstrating the cultural practices of Anglo-Saxon elites.
• In what ways did stratigraphy play a role in establishing the context of the Sutton Hoo excavation?
  • Stratigraphy played a significant role by allowing archaeologists to understand the chronological sequence of deposition at Sutton Hoo. Each layer of soil contained different artifacts, which helped establish their relative ages and significance. By analyzing these layers, researchers could determine how various objects related to one another and how they fit into the broader narrative of Anglo-Saxon history.
• Evaluate how the context of Sutton Hoo contributes to our understanding of early medieval England's social hierarchy and cultural practices.
  • The context of Sutton Hoo provides vital insights into early medieval England's social hierarchy and cultural practices by illustrating how burial customs reflected societal values. The lavish grave goods suggest that individuals buried there were not only wealthy but also held significant power within their communities. By evaluating these findings within their context—such as location, stratigraphy, and associated artifacts—we gain a clearer picture of how status was portrayed through material culture and what this indicates about relationships among different social classes during this period.

Related terms

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers and layering, which in archaeology refers to the layers of soil or sediment that can indicate the chronological order of deposition.

Provenance: The history of ownership of a particular object, which helps establish its authenticity and significance within a specific cultural or historical framework.

Artifact: Any object made or modified by humans, typically recovered during excavations, that provides information about past human behavior and cultures.