Final answer:
Artifacts are physical objects created by humans in the past that provide evidence of their culture and beliefs. The time and place when artifacts were created can be determined through archaeological research. The earliest undisputed art originated in the Upper Paleolithic period, and different regions may have different time periods assigned to their art based on significant cultural changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Artifacts are physical objects created by humans in the past. They provide evidence and insights into the culture, practices, and beliefs of the people who made them. The time and place when artifacts were created can be determined through archaeological research, such as dating techniques and the analysis of typological sequences.
For example, the earliest undisputed art originated in the Upper Paleolithic period, dating back to around 40,800 BCE to 5000 BCE. During this time, humans created diverse and representational art, including cave paintings, portable items like necklaces, and sculptural forms made from clay, stone, and ivory. The art found in different regions may have different time periods assigned to them, such as the Late Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, Fort Ancient, Basketmaker, and Pueblo periods in different Native American regions. These time periods are marked by significant changes in culture, social structure, and worldviews.
Through the study of artifacts, archaeologists and historians can piece together the stories of our ancient human past and gain a deeper understanding of human history.