Features

Definition

In archaeology, features refer to non-portable elements that represent human activity and are usually found within an archaeological context. These can include structures like walls, hearths, and postholes, which are integral to understanding the spatial and cultural dynamics of past societies. Features are distinguished from artifacts, as they cannot be easily removed from their original location without losing their context.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Features are often large-scale and include elements such as buildings, ditches, and ovens, which provide insight into the construction methods and daily activities of past societies.
2. Unlike artifacts, features cannot be removed from their location without disturbing their context, making their in-situ examination crucial for accurate interpretation.
3. Features can be temporary or permanent; for example, a hearth may be a temporary feature for cooking while a wall is a permanent structure indicating long-term settlement.
4. Archaeologists often document features through detailed drawings and photographs to capture their original state before excavation, ensuring that important information is preserved.
5. The analysis of features helps archaeologists understand site formation processes and how different areas were used over time, revealing patterns of behavior and social organization.

Review Questions

• How do features differ from artifacts in archaeological research?
  • Features differ from artifacts primarily in that features are non-portable elements tied to specific locations, such as walls or hearths, while artifacts are portable objects like tools or pottery. The inability to move features without losing their contextual information makes them vital for understanding the spatial relationships and activities at a site. This distinction is essential for reconstructing past human behavior and site use.
• Discuss the importance of documenting features during excavation and how it contributes to archaeological interpretation.
  • Documenting features during excavation is crucial because it allows archaeologists to preserve the original context in which they were found. Detailed records through photographs, drawings, and written descriptions enable researchers to analyze the function and significance of each feature within its surrounding environment. This meticulous documentation aids in reconstructing the social and cultural practices of past societies by providing insights into their architectural styles, daily activities, and interactions with the landscape.
• Evaluate the role of features in understanding site formation processes and their implications for interpreting past human behavior.
  • Features play a significant role in understanding site formation processes as they reflect how human activity interacts with natural environments over time. By analyzing the distribution and characteristics of various features at a site, archaeologists can identify patterns of occupation, resource use, and social organization. This evaluation sheds light on broader behavioral trends within cultures, offering insights into how people adapted to their surroundings, organized their communities, and developed technologies across different periods.

Related terms

Stratigraphy: The study of rock layers (strata) and layering (stratification), used to understand the chronological sequence of human activity and natural events.

Context: The relationship of an artifact or feature to other artifacts or features in its vicinity, providing information about its significance and use.

Excavation: The systematic digging and recording of archaeological sites, which involves careful documentation of features and their context.