Artifact cataloging

Definition

Artifact cataloging is the systematic process of recording and organizing information about artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations. This process involves creating detailed records that include descriptions, measurements, context, and provenance of each artifact, facilitating later analysis and interpretation. Effective artifact cataloging is essential for maintaining an accurate account of the findings and their significance within the broader archaeological framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Artifact cataloging typically involves assigning a unique identification number to each artifact to keep track of it throughout the excavation process.
2. Detailed descriptions in cataloging include attributes like material, dimensions, color, and any distinctive features that can aid in later analysis.
3. Catalogs serve as essential tools for researchers and conservators to understand the relationships between artifacts and their archaeological context.
4. Proper artifact cataloging ensures that even small finds are recorded, as they may provide critical information about the site’s history and use.
5. Digital cataloging systems are increasingly used to enhance accessibility and ease of sharing information among researchers and institutions.

Review Questions

• How does artifact cataloging enhance the understanding of stratigraphy during an archaeological excavation?
  • Artifact cataloging enhances the understanding of stratigraphy by systematically recording the context in which artifacts are found. This includes documenting the specific layers or contexts from which artifacts originate. By having this detailed information, archaeologists can analyze how different layers relate to one another chronologically and culturally, thus providing insights into past human behavior and site usage over time.
• Discuss the importance of provenance in the process of artifact cataloging and its implications for archaeological research.
  • Provenance plays a critical role in artifact cataloging as it provides essential background information about an artifact's origin and history. By documenting where an artifact was found, how it was used, and its journey through time, archaeologists can draw connections between artifacts and their cultural significance. This understanding can impact interpretations of past societies, helping researchers establish trade routes, social structures, and cultural exchanges.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with digital artifact cataloging compared to traditional methods, considering their impact on archaeological practices.
  • Digital artifact cataloging presents both advantages and challenges compared to traditional methods. While digital systems allow for easier access, sharing, and analysis of data, they also require significant technological investment and training. Furthermore, issues such as data loss or system failures can jeopardize important information. Balancing these challenges with the benefits of efficiency and enhanced organization is crucial for modern archaeological practices to ensure that valuable findings are preserved for future study.

Related terms

Provenance: The history of ownership and origin of an artifact, providing insights into its context and significance.

Stratigraphy:

The study of rock layers and layering, crucial for understanding the chronological sequence of artifacts found in excavated sites.

Field documentation: The comprehensive recording of data during excavation, including photographs, drawings, and written notes to ensure a thorough understanding of the context.