Archaeology

Association

The co-occurrence of an artifact with other archaeological remains, usually in the same matrix.

Attribute

A minimal characteristic of an artifact that cannot be further subdivided; include form, style, decoration, color, and raw material.

Relative Dating

The determination of chronological sequence without a fixed time scale, such as arranging artifacts in a typological sequence or seriation.

Building Archaeology

Using archaeological techniques to document standing structures, including drawing, photographing, measuring, recording, and historical record searching.

Prehistory

The period of human history before the advent of writing.

Artifact

Any portable object used, modified, or made by humans, e.g., stone tools, pottery, and metal weapons.

Ecofact

Non-artifactual organic and environmental remains that have cultural relevance, e.g., faunal and floral material, soils, and sediments.

Typology

The systematic organization of artifacts into types based on shared attributes.