What role do artifacts play in archaeological research?

Artifacts are vital to archaeological research as they serve as physical evidence of past human activity. By studying artifacts, researchers can glean information about the daily lives, social structures, economic practices, and cultural beliefs of ancient peoples. Each artifact, whether it is a tool, pottery, or ornament, carries with it a context that reflects the environment and the technologies available at the time. This allows archaeologists to reconstruct the past, understand how societies evolved, and how different cultures interacted with one another.

In contrast, artifacts are not primarily decorative elements in museums, nor are they limited to being mere historical collectibles. While they can contribute to modern technology by providing insights into previous innovations, this is not their primary function within archaeology. Instead, the focus is on what these objects reveal about the behaviors and lifestyles of those who created and used them. This interpretive aspect is crucial in piecing together the broader picture of human history and cultural development.