Chemical alteration

Definition

Chemical alteration refers to the process through which the chemical composition of archaeological materials is modified due to various natural and cultural factors. This alteration can significantly affect the preservation and interpretation of artifacts, as it may change their original properties and context. Understanding chemical alteration is crucial for archaeologists when analyzing site formation processes, as it highlights how both environmental conditions and human activities can influence the state of archaeological remains over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chemical alteration can occur due to reactions with water, air, and soil components, which may result in the loss of material or changes in structure.
2. Human activities, such as industrial pollution or burial practices, can accelerate chemical alterations, affecting the integrity of archaeological sites.
3. Different materials (like ceramics, metals, or organic remains) will undergo varying degrees and types of chemical alteration based on their composition and environmental exposure.
4. Chemical alteration can hinder the dating of artifacts, as changes may obscure original properties needed for accurate analysis.
5. Understanding chemical alteration helps archaeologists reconstruct past environments and human behaviors by providing insights into how artifacts interacted with their surroundings.

Review Questions

• How does chemical alteration impact the preservation of archaeological artifacts?
  • Chemical alteration affects the preservation of archaeological artifacts by changing their original composition and physical properties. This can lead to material degradation, obscured features, and loss of crucial information about the artifact's age or use. When studying site formation processes, recognizing these changes allows archaeologists to better understand how artifacts have been influenced by environmental conditions and human actions over time.
• In what ways do natural processes contribute to chemical alteration in archaeological contexts?
  • Natural processes such as weathering, soil chemistry, and moisture levels contribute to chemical alteration by interacting with archaeological materials. For instance, acidic soils can dissolve minerals in metal objects, while organic materials might undergo decomposition due to microbial activity. These interactions can significantly modify artifacts, making it essential for archaeologists to consider these processes when evaluating site formation and artifact preservation.
• Evaluate the implications of chemical alteration for interpreting cultural practices in archaeology.
  • Chemical alteration has profound implications for interpreting cultural practices in archaeology because it can distort or obscure the original characteristics of artifacts that reflect human behavior. As artifacts undergo changes due to chemical processes, vital information about their use, significance, and the environmental context may be lost. This means archaeologists must carefully assess both the physical condition of artifacts and their chemical histories to accurately reconstruct past societies and understand how they interacted with their environments.

Related terms

Diagenesis:

The physical and chemical processes that transform sediment into sedimentary rock, which can also lead to changes in archaeological materials over time.

Weathering: The breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earth's surface due to environmental factors, leading to changes in artifacts.

Conservation: The practice of preserving and maintaining archaeological artifacts to prevent further deterioration and loss of their historical context.