Question

All of the following terms are part of a find's context. Match each term to its appropriate definition.

1. Provenience - the exact position of a field
2. Matrix - the material surrounding a find
3. Association - a find's relationship to other finds

Answer 1

The archaeological terms 'provenience,' 'matrix,' and 'association' relate to the location, surrounding material, and relationship with other finds, respectively. Documenting the provenience using the grid system is essential in preserving the context in which artifacts are found.

Step-by-step explanation:

The terms provided relate to archaeological excavation and the importance of understanding the context in which artifacts are found. Each term has a specific definition:

1. Provenience refers to the exact location where an artifact was found during an excavation. It is crucial to document an artifact's provenience to understand its relationship with the surrounding environment and other finds.
2. Matrix denotes the material, such as soil or gravel, that encases an artifact in its primary context. This is the natural material surrounding the find.
3. Association describes the relationship that a find has with other artifacts or features in the same context, which can provide important information about the time period and usage of the find.

Maintaining the primary context is key to preserving the integrity of the archaeological record. When an object is removed from its primary context and documented, it is then referred to as being within a secondary context. The grid system used by archaeologists allows for precise mapping of the provenience of artifacts.