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Archaeological and Written Sources

This document outlines questions that archaeologists need to ask when analyzing archaeological sources, such as artifacts. It discusses the importance of determining what the source is, where it was found, and if it can be accurately dated. This helps archaeologists understand the object's function and place it within a historical context. The document also addresses how an object's condition can impact interpretation and whether the source provides reliable evidence about the past. Archaeologists use this information to reconstruct history and contribute to scholarly debates.

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4K views11 pages

Archaeological and Written Sources

This document outlines questions that archaeologists need to ask when analyzing archaeological sources, such as artifacts. It discusses the importance of determining what the source is, where it was found, and if it can be accurately dated. This helps archaeologists understand the object's function and place it within a historical context. The document also addresses how an object's condition can impact interpretation and whether the source provides reliable evidence about the past. Archaeologists use this information to reconstruct history and contribute to scholarly debates.

Uploaded by

api-88846630
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Archaeological

Sources
Questions we need to ask each source

1) What is it?
-allows them to discover the nature of the
artefact.
- so we can find the details of
-what is it made of?
-who made it?
-who was it made for

2)In what context was it found?


- This information is important as it allows
archaeologists to identify and understand an
objects function.
- they use information such as the findspot,
materials, etc, to establish the provenance,
nature and use of the find.(in situ)

3. Can it be accurately dated?


This information helps to place the
artefact into its historical context.
Such dating methods like historical,
archaeological or scientific methods
can be used.

4. How does its condition affect its


interpretation
If incomplete or damaged problems may
arise with its classification.
If artefact is in good condition then
identification and interpretation can be easily
found.
Icemans dagger could easily be confused as
an arrowhead due to size Due to location
with wooden handle on scabbard near the
body it confirmed it as a dagger

5. Is it reliable and/or useful in


providing evidence about the past?
- Important to establish validity of information
provided by a source
- Even if the information is unreliable, it is still
useful
i.e. technology involved in its construction,
whether or not it was traded etc.

6. What evidence does this source


provide about the past
Assists historians with reconstructing the
past and making conclusions
Assists with interpretations of the past and
the findings are used to contribute with
scholarly debate
Complementary OR contradictory evidence

Figure 2.3 - Terracotta figurines

Source 2.3 - terracotta figurines


1. Mycenaean terracotta figurines
2. Found in the Mediterranean (specific location required)
3. Yes it can - (scientifically through thermoluminescence
dating; archaeologically through typology)
4.Yes - potential damages and general wear could lead to
misinterpretations
5. Difficult to determine because...
6. a) aspects of culture as indicated by the figurines artistic
style.
b) indication of technology through use of terracotta
materials.
c) Religion -

Your archaeological source

Your archaeological analysis


1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

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