Final answer:
Archaeology is the subfield of anthropology focused on studying past human cultures through material remains, contributing crucial insights into human history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subfield of anthropology that is concerned with studying past human cultures through material remains is known as archaeology. Archaeologists are tasked with examining artifacts, structures, ecofacts, and other cultural and biological remains to reconstruct historical societies and understand their ways of life. Complex methods like chronometric dating methods, archaeological excavation, and analyzing ecofacts enable them to draw conclusions about the socioeconomic and cultural contexts of past human behavior.
This branch of anthropology provides vital information about the functionality and significance of ancient art, tools, and structures, enriching our knowledge not only about our ancestors' artistic and practical skills but also about their social structures and interactions with their environment. Through careful excavation and analysis, archaeologists contribute significantly to the broader anthropological understanding of human culture and evolution.