an ecofact is an object, found at an archaeological site and carrying archaeological significance, but previously unhanded by humans.
An archaeological site.
artifacts, ecofacts, and features
Future archaeologists will likely find a wide range of artifacts and ecofacts left by our society today, including buildings, infrastructure, technology, plastic waste, metal objects, organic remains, and documents. These materials will provide insights into our daily lives, social structures, economic activities, and environmental impact.
Artifacts are human-made objects, tools, or structures that have historical or cultural significance, while ecofacts are natural objects or remains found in archaeological sites that provide information about the environment and natural resources used by past societies. Essentially, artifacts are items created by humans, while ecofacts are natural materials impacted by human activity.
The main archaeological research methods include excavation, surveying, dating techniques, and analysis of artifacts and ecofacts. Excavation involves the systematic excavation and recording of archaeological sites, while surveying involves the systematic exploration and recording of archaeological remains in a landscape. Dating techniques help establish the age of archaeological remains, and the analysis of artifacts and ecofacts provides insights into past human activities and environments.
The most important kinds of evidence that archeologists analyze are artifacts , features and ecofacts. Artifacts are things that people make, use, collect or change, such as tools, pieces of pottery, discarded animal or plant remains. Features are places where human activity has occurred, such as houses, burial places, trash mounds, irrigation canals, or piles of broken shell left by a shell worker. Ecofacts are natural objects found with artifacts or features, such as seeds, pollen, or animal bones. Artifacts, features and ecofacts are studied in context, or the exact position and location in which they are found. As long as an archeological site has not been disturbed or vandalized, the artifacts in the lowest layers should be older than those above, and artifacts found together probably were used together and are about the same age. The study of the layering of objects is called stratigraphy. See the related link below.
Archaeologists may study ecofacts, which are organic remains found at a site, to learn about past environments and human activities. They may also study natural features near a site, such as rivers, mountains, or caves, to understand how the landscape influenced human behavior and settlement patterns.
Religion is typically considered a form of non-material culture. It consists of beliefs, rituals, and practices that guide individuals in their understanding of the world and their place in it. While religious expressions may manifest in material forms such as symbols, artifacts, or buildings, the core of religion is rooted in intangible beliefs and values.
Archaeology is the study of past societies through an analysis of material remains such as artifacts, structures, and ecofacts. By examining these objects and their contexts, archaeologists can reconstruct and understand ancient cultures, daily life, and environments.
Yes, adobe brick fragments can be considered ecofacts since they are man-made objects that have been altered by human activity and can provide insights into past human behavior and practices. These fragments can reveal information about architectural techniques, building materials, and cultural practices of the society that created them.
Archaeology is typically studied by individuals interested in understanding past societies through the analysis of material culture, such as artifacts, structures, and ecofacts. This field attracts people with interests in history, anthropology, cultural studies, and science. Archaeologists can work in academia, research institutions, museums, and cultural resource management.
Screening for archaeology involves passing excavated soil through a screen to recover artifacts, ecofacts, and other archaeological materials. The screen helps separate smaller items such as pottery sherds, bones, and small artifacts from the soil. This process is crucial for ensuring that all relevant materials are collected and studied during the excavation.