Why Do Archaeologists Know That Any Single Artifact Cannot Be

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The Answer is Archaeologists know that any single artifact cannot be automatically assigned to a single time period because the context in which the artifact is found is crucial for understanding its age and significance. In the first story about the obsidian cobble, the artifact itself did not provide enough information to determine its age or cultural significance. It was only when the archaeologist considered the context in which it was found, including the layers of sediment and other artifacts nearby, that they were able to determine its age and cultural association.

Another example from the chapter is the discussion of pottery styles. While a particular style of pottery may be associated with a specific time period, it is not always the case. Pottery styles can persist over long periods of time, and without considering the context in which the pottery is found, it is difficult to accurately assign it to a single time period.

Overall, archaeologists rely on the context in which artifacts are found to determine their age and cultural significance. Without this contextual information, it is not possible to automatically assign a single artifact to a specific time period.

Why Do Archaeologists Know That Any Single Artifact Cannot Be

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