Final answer:
An anthropologist examining past cultures through artifacts is typically involved in the subfield of archaeology within anthropology, which aims to understand ancient societies and their cultural practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
An anthropologist studying past cultures through the investigation of artifacts primarily belongs to the subfield of archaeology within anthropology. This subfield uses the systematic uncovering and analysis of artifacts, which are portable objects showing evidence of human cultural activity, to understand the technologies, social practices, and ideas of ancient peoples. Archaeological anthropologists work meticulously to excavate these materials to unravel past societies and their relationships to their environments and each other.
Archaeologists contribute vital information to the study of early art and broader culture by providing context and historical background. They use various dating methods such as dendrochronology and cross-cutting relationships to accurately date these cultural remains. Through the analysis of artifacts, the study of culture in archaeology encapsulates the significance of human ingenuity and creativity throughout history.