Feature

Definition

In archaeology, a feature refers to a non-portable artifact or structure that cannot be removed from the site without altering its context. Features can include things like hearths, postholes, or wall remnants, which provide insight into past human activities and behaviors. They are significant for understanding the spatial organization and functional aspects of an archaeological site.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sutton Hoo burial site is famous for its rich array of features, including a large ship burial that dates back to the early 7th century.
2. One of the most significant features at Sutton Hoo is the burial mound, which was constructed to honor a high-status individual and contains various grave goods.
3. Features like postholes were identified during excavations at Sutton Hoo, indicating structures that may have been part of the burial rituals or ceremonies.
4. The presence of features such as fire pits suggests that the site was not only used for burial but may have also served as a place for feasting or other communal activities.
5. Understanding features at Sutton Hoo helps archaeologists piece together the social structure and cultural practices of the Anglo-Saxon period.

Review Questions

• How do features differ from artifacts in an archaeological context?
  • Features differ from artifacts in that features are non-portable structures or elements that remain in place at a site, while artifacts are portable objects created or used by humans. For instance, a hearth or posthole is considered a feature because it provides information about the activities and organization of a space but cannot be moved without losing its contextual value. In contrast, items like pottery or tools found at a site can be removed and analyzed separately, though both contribute to our understanding of past cultures.
• Discuss the importance of analyzing features when studying sites like Sutton Hoo and what insights they provide into historical practices.
  • Analyzing features at sites like Sutton Hoo is crucial for understanding the cultural and social practices of the time. Features such as burial mounds and hearths can reveal how societies honored their dead and what rituals were performed. The layout and construction of these features offer insights into community organization, status differentiation, and daily activities. This analysis helps archaeologists reconstruct not only physical spaces but also the lived experiences of past people.
• Evaluate how the discovery and interpretation of features at Sutton Hoo contribute to our broader understanding of Anglo-Saxon society.
  • The discovery and interpretation of features at Sutton Hoo significantly enhance our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society by providing tangible evidence of their customs, beliefs, and social hierarchies. For example, the elaborate burial feature indicates a complex belief system regarding death and afterlife, suggesting high social stratification based on wealth and status. Furthermore, examining these features allows researchers to piece together narratives around trade, craftsmanship, and communal practices during this historical period. This comprehensive analysis informs broader discussions on cultural identity and continuity in early medieval England.

Related terms

Artifact: An object made or used by humans, typically portable, that is recovered during excavation and provides information about past cultures.

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

Context: The relationship between an artifact or feature and its surrounding environment, including the position and association with other finds, crucial for interpreting archaeological data.