What are the difference and similarity between Artefacts, Features and Eco-facts?
Artefacts, features, and eco-facts are all crucial components of archaeological research. Although they have some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics. Here are the differences and similarities between these three terms:
1. Artefacts:
- Definition: Artefacts are portable objects made, modified, or utilized by humans.
- Characteristics: They are typically small and can be carried or moved.
- Examples: Tools, pottery, weapons, jewelry, coins, etc.
2. Features:
- Definition: Features are non-portable elements of an archaeological site that are the result of human activity.
- Characteristics: They are fixed and cannot be easily moved.
- Examples: Structures (walls, foundations, hearths), pits, ditches, postholes, etc.
3. Eco-facts:
- Definition: Eco-facts are organic or environmental remains found in archaeological contexts.
- Characteristics: They are typically natural materials that provide insight into past environments, ecology, and human interaction with the environment.
- Examples: Pollen, animal bones, shells, seeds, charcoal, etc.
Differences:
- Artefacts are portable objects, whereas features are non-portable elements of a site, and eco-facts are organic or environmental remains.
- Artefacts are typically small and easily moved, features are fixed, and eco-facts can be of varying sizes.
- Artefacts are created or modified by humans, whereas features are human-made elements, and eco-facts are natural materials.
Similarities:
- All three terms are encountered during archaeological excavations and surveys.
- They provide important evidence about past human activities, behaviors, and environments.
- Their analysis contributes to the interpretation of archaeological sites and the reconstruction of past societies.
In summary, artefacts, features, and eco-facts are distinct categories in archaeology. While artefacts are portable objects made by humans, features are non-portable elements of a site, and eco-facts are organic or environmental remains. Despite these differences, these components all provide invaluable information for understanding the past.