Context Sheets

Definition

Context sheets are detailed records used in archaeology to document the precise conditions of artifacts and features at a site during excavation. They serve as vital tools for understanding the spatial and temporal relationships of the finds, providing context that helps in interpreting the significance of the artifacts within their archaeological setting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Context sheets are filled out during excavation to record specific details about each artifact, including its location, depth, and associated finds.
2. These sheets help archaeologists maintain accurate documentation, ensuring that the relationships between different artifacts are preserved for analysis.
3. Context sheets often include drawings, photographs, and descriptions to provide a comprehensive view of the archaeological context.
4. Using context sheets allows for better reconstruction of past human activities by linking artifacts to their stratigraphic layers.
5. They play a crucial role in post-excavation analysis, as they help researchers interpret data and draw conclusions about cultural practices.

Review Questions

• How do context sheets enhance the understanding of archaeological sites?
  • Context sheets enhance understanding by providing detailed records of the conditions in which artifacts were found. They document aspects like location, depth, and associated materials, allowing archaeologists to analyze relationships between finds. This information is essential for reconstructing past human behaviors and activities based on the spatial organization of artifacts within the site.
• Discuss the importance of context sheets in maintaining the integrity of stratigraphic records during excavation.
  • Context sheets are critical for maintaining the integrity of stratigraphic records by ensuring that each artifact is recorded with precise details about its position within the layers. This documentation helps prevent loss of information that could occur if artifacts are removed without understanding their original context. By linking artifacts to their stratigraphic layers, archaeologists can accurately interpret the chronological sequence of human activity at a site.
• Evaluate how context sheets contribute to post-excavation analysis and interpretation of Viking settlement patterns.
  • Context sheets play a significant role in post-excavation analysis by providing a structured way to compile data related to Viking settlements. They allow researchers to correlate findings with specific features and stratigraphy, aiding in the identification of settlement patterns and cultural practices. This information can lead to insights about social organization, trade networks, and interactions with surrounding environments, helping to paint a clearer picture of Viking life and community structure.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers and layering, used in archaeology to understand the chronological sequence of deposits at a site.

Feature: Non-portable evidence of human activity, such as structures or pits, which cannot be removed from their original context.

Provenance: The history of ownership or location of an artifact, which helps establish its context and significance within archaeological research.