Artifacts

Definition

Artifacts are objects made or used by humans, typically reflecting the culture and technology of the time period in which they were created. They serve as crucial evidence for archaeologists and historians, providing insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and social structures of ancient civilizations, particularly during significant periods like the Neolithic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifacts from the Neolithic period include tools, pottery, and jewelry that showcase advancements in craftsmanship and technology.
2. The development of farming tools, such as sickles and grinding stones, indicates the shift towards agriculture and settled life during this time.
3. Pottery artifacts reveal not only the practical aspects of food storage but also social and cultural expressions through decorative designs.
4. Artifacts provide insight into trade networks established during the Neolithic, as materials for tools and pottery often came from distant sources.
5. The study of artifacts helps establish timelines for human development and cultural changes, allowing historians to piece together the evolution of societies.

Review Questions

• How do artifacts contribute to our understanding of technological innovations during the Neolithic period?
  • Artifacts are essential for understanding technological innovations during the Neolithic because they provide concrete evidence of tools and practices used by early humans. For example, the presence of polished stone axes and sickles indicates advancements in agriculture and forestry techniques. By analyzing these artifacts, we can infer how these technologies improved food production, ultimately supporting larger populations and leading to more complex societal structures.
• In what ways do artifacts reflect the cultural practices of Neolithic societies?
  • Artifacts reflect the cultural practices of Neolithic societies through their design, function, and usage. Pottery, for example, not only served practical purposes like cooking and storage but also featured decorative elements that indicated social status or community identity. The variation in artifacts across different regions can reveal cultural exchanges, trade relationships, and localized customs, helping us understand the diversity within Neolithic communities.
• Evaluate how the study of artifacts has changed our perceptions of Neolithic societies and their innovations over time.
  • The study of artifacts has significantly altered our perceptions of Neolithic societies by highlighting their complexity and adaptability. Initially viewed as primitive or simple due to a lack of written records, artifacts demonstrate that these societies were innovative in agriculture, tool-making, and artistic expression. As new findings emerge from excavations, they challenge previous assumptions about social structures, economic systems, and cultural interactions, painting a more nuanced picture of early human life during this transformative period.

Related terms

Archaeology: The scientific study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts.

Neolithic Revolution:

The transition from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities, marking a significant change in human lifestyle.

Pottery:

Ceramic wares made by shaping and then firing a non-metallic mineral, such as clay, which is often one of the most abundant types of artifacts found from ancient cultures.