Artifact typology

Definition

Artifact typology is the systematic classification of artifacts based on their characteristics, forms, materials, and functions. This method helps archaeologists organize and analyze artifacts to better understand the cultural and temporal context of a site, particularly in urban settings where many layers of history exist.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifact typology can help distinguish between different cultures and time periods based on the unique characteristics of their artifacts.
2. By analyzing the shapes, materials, and functions of artifacts, archaeologists can infer social, economic, and technological aspects of ancient urban life.
3. Typological classifications often evolve as new discoveries are made or as interpretations change based on new evidence.
4. Artifact typology is essential in urban archaeology since cities often contain complex stratigraphic layers that reflect continuous human activity over time.
5. The creation of typologies facilitates comparative studies across different archaeological sites, enabling researchers to identify regional patterns and connections.

Review Questions

• How does artifact typology contribute to our understanding of past urban societies?
  • Artifact typology contributes to our understanding of past urban societies by allowing archaeologists to classify and analyze artifacts based on their characteristics. This classification helps identify trends in technology, economy, and culture within specific time periods and locations. By examining these patterns, researchers can gain insights into daily life, social structures, and interactions among different urban populations.
• Discuss the relationship between artifact typology and stratigraphy in urban archaeological excavations.
  • Artifact typology and stratigraphy are closely related in urban archaeological excavations because stratigraphy provides the context for understanding the chronological sequence of artifact layers. As excavators uncover different strata, they can apply typological classifications to the artifacts found within each layer. This relationship helps archaeologists establish a timeline of human activity in urban environments, revealing how societies evolved over time through their material culture.
• Evaluate the impact of advances in technology on artifact typology and its application in urban archaeology.
  • Advances in technology have significantly impacted artifact typology and its application in urban archaeology by enhancing the methods used for analysis and classification. Techniques like 3D scanning and digital imaging allow for more precise documentation and examination of artifacts without damaging them. Additionally, software tools enable archaeologists to create detailed databases that improve the efficiency of identifying patterns across large collections. These innovations facilitate a deeper understanding of urban societies by providing more accurate data that can reveal previously unnoticed connections between artifacts and their historical contexts.

Related terms

Chronology: The arrangement of events or artifacts in the order of their occurrence, which helps establish a timeline for archaeological findings.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), which provides information on the relative ages of artifacts found within different layers.

Assemblage: A collection of artifacts found at a single archaeological site, which provides insights into the activities and behaviors of past societies.