How Do You Know If Something Is An Artifact? A Guide for the Curious Mind

Determining whether an object is an artifact comes down to understanding its origins and purpose. Essentially, if an object shows clear evidence of human modification, use, or creation, it is likely an artifact. This means looking for signs of deliberate shaping, manufacturing techniques, or wear patterns that suggest it was used by people in the past or present. Artifact identification involves a mix of observation, scientific analysis, and contextual information to differentiate between a naturally occurring object and one crafted or utilized by humans.

Understanding the Definition of an Artifact

The term “artifact” encompasses a broad range of objects. At its core, an artifact is anything made or modified by humans. This includes everything from painstakingly crafted works of art to everyday tools. It can be a perfectly preserved pot or just a shard of broken pottery, a grand monument or the humble remains of a campfire. The key is human intervention.

Key Indicators of an Artifact

Several factors help us identify an object as an artifact:

• Evidence of Manufacturing: Look for signs of cutting, grinding, polishing, carving, weaving, casting, or other techniques that indicate deliberate construction. For stone tools, this might involve examining the rock for evidence of pecking, sanding, and flaking. Most stone tools have a striking platform where the stone was hit, percussion scars on the edges, and ripples on the surface.
• Purpose and Function: Consider the object’s potential function. Does its shape or form suggest it was used for a specific task, such as grinding grain, cutting, digging, or decoration?
• Context of Discovery: The location where an object is found is critical. If it’s discovered in a known archaeological site, alongside other artifacts, or within a cultural layer of soil, it is far more likely to be an artifact.
• Material Composition: The materials used can also be a clue. Is the material naturally occurring in the area, or was it brought in from elsewhere, suggesting trade or travel by humans?
• Repetition and Standardization: If similar objects have been found elsewhere, especially in contexts related to past human activity, it strengthens the case that your object is an artifact.
• Signs of Wear: Wear patterns, such as scratches, dents, or polishing, can indicate how the object was used. These patterns can be examined under a microscope to reveal specific activities.

Distinguishing Artifacts from Natural Objects

One of the biggest challenges is differentiating artifacts from naturally occurring objects. A rock that happens to be sharp isn’t necessarily a tool. To make that determination, consider the following:

• Consistency: Are the “tool marks” consistent and deliberate, or random and caused by natural forces?
• Intentionality: Does the object’s shape suggest it was intentionally formed for a specific purpose?
• Wear Patterns: Do wear patterns align with the purported use of the object?
• Context: Where was it found? A rock found in a riverbed is less likely to be a tool than one found in a cave containing other artifacts.

Expert Analysis and Authentication

While observation and contextual clues are crucial, expert analysis is often necessary for definitive identification. Archaeologists, anthropologists, and material scientists employ various techniques to study artifacts:

• Microscopic Analysis: Examination under a microscope can reveal subtle tool marks and wear patterns that are invisible to the naked eye.
• Material Analysis: Techniques like X-ray fluorescence (XRF), radiocarbon dating, and mass spectrometry can identify the materials used and determine the object’s age.
• Comparative Analysis: Comparing the object to known artifacts from the same region or time period can help determine its authenticity and function.

Avoiding Fakes and Forgeries

The world of artifacts, unfortunately, has its share of fakes. Forgeries are created to deceive and are designed to resemble genuine artifacts. Experts use several methods to detect forgeries:

• Examining Manufacturing Marks: Authentic artifacts have manufacturing marks consistent with the technology of their time. Forgers often make mistakes or use modern tools that leave telltale signs.
• Analyzing Patina and Weathering: Genuine artifacts often have a patina, a surface layer of chemical alteration caused by age and environmental exposure. Forgers may attempt to replicate patina, but it’s often unconvincing under close examination.
• Provenance Research: Tracing the object’s history and ownership can help determine its authenticity. A clear and documented provenance is a strong indicator of a genuine artifact.
• Applying Scientific Dating Methods: Techniques like thermoluminescence dating or radiocarbon dating can be used to verify the object’s age.

FAQs About Artifacts

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding artifacts:

1. Which is an example of an artifact? Artifacts include art, tools, and clothing made by people of any time and place. The term can also be used to refer to the remains of an object, such as a shard of broken pottery or glassware.
2. What happens if you find historical artifacts on your property? Anything found is property of the public, and it’s the responsibility of the finder to care for the item for the sake of the public. If you aren’t an archaeologist and you happen to stumble upon an artifact in the United States, then you must report your finding.
3. Is it illegal to own ancient artifacts? In the United States, it is legal to collect artifacts from private property if you have written permission from the landowner. Other requirements are dependent on the state. If you are interested in collecting or metal detecting on private property, contact your State Historic Preservation Office for more information.
4. Is it illegal to buy ancient artifacts? BUY ONLY LEGALLY ACQUIRED ANCIENT ART. While there are indeed a number of laws governing the sale and purchase of items of cultural patrimony (antiquities), as long as an item has been legally imported into the United States, it’s legal to sell and purchase.
5. What does an artifact look like? Examples include stone tools, pottery vessels, metal objects such as weapons and items of personal adornment such as buttons, jewelry and clothing. Bones that show signs of human modification are also examples.
6. What is not an artifact? A mere stone that was used for pounding isn’t an artifact, since it wasn’t shaped by humans for its purpose—unlike a ram’s horn that was polished and given a brass mouthpiece and was blown as part of a religious ritual.
7. What are 3 objects that count as artifacts? Artifacts are physical objects created and used by humans. Artifacts may include such items as eating utensils, tools, clothing, and coins.
8. What are the most commonly found artifacts? One of the most common items found at archaeological sites is pottery, or objects made of clay. Looking at a single pot might tell you how old it was or how it was made.
9. How do you tell if a rock is an artifact? Check your stone for evidence of pecking, sanding, and flaking. Almost all stone tools have a striking platform (the surface where the stone is bashed), percussion scars on the edges, and ripples on the stone’s surface. Research other ancient stone tools to compare and contrast your rock with.
10. Is there an app for identifying artifacts? The Arrowhead Identifier is a software application that includes multiple photo databases and information on arrowheads and other artifacts. The app includes helpful images, names, descriptions, and additional details about each artifact.
11. What can artifacts reveal? Artifacts can tell us where people lived; what they ate, wore, and used; and how culture changed over time.
12. What artifacts are illegal to own? All artifacts found on public lands are protected by state and federal laws*. It is illegal and unethical to collect artifacts on public lands.
13. Do museums ever sell artifacts? A museum may transfer an object to another museum or sell it, but if a deaccessioned object is sold, museum professional ethics require the proceeds from the sale be used only to acquire new objects for the collection or provide direct care of the collection.
14. Why is it illegal to pick up arrowheads in Texas? Federal and state laws are designed to protect archeological sites on public land and generally forbid casual artifact collecting. Artifact collecting should not be undertaken on public property unless legally permitted.
15. Who owns an artifact? Artifacts from private land are the property of the landowners.

The Importance of Artifacts

Artifacts are more than just old objects; they are tangible links to the past. They provide invaluable insights into how people lived, worked, and interacted with their environment. Studying artifacts allows us to reconstruct past societies, understand cultural evolution, and appreciate the diversity of human experience. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org recognize the educational value of engaging with cultural heritage, even through simulated experiences and game-based learning environments.

By carefully examining and analyzing artifacts, we can uncover the stories they hold and learn from the generations that came before us.