Archaeology Think-Piece - Essay Example

Archaeology Think-Piece Archaeology, a smaller branch of anthropology, is defined as the scientific study of past human activities (Down, David, 11). It involves the study of human being’s history and prehistory since the first tool of stone was made. This is primarily done through the analysis of recovered cultural material and data obtained from the environment. These materials include cultural landscapes, ancient architecture and artifacts. Due to different approaches and procedures used in archaeology the discipline is considered both as a humanity and social science.

The main objective of archaeology is to study the human past and finding out how it affects and connects with the present and the feature of human being.As indicated above, archaeologists seek to learn and understand more about societies in the past and how human race developed from the earliest simple form of life. In doing this they employ various methodologies in order to ensure that their findings are very accurate, reliable and applicable in the present and future life of human being. Remote sensing is a method used to locate an archaeological site where artifacts could be excavated.

This approach is used mostly when archaeological site is located in a small area within a huge area. Remote sensing may be applied together with field survey. An archaeologist may choose to begin with field survey, which involves systematically locating an unknown site in an area, or continue with the project from the remote sensing method. Features such as stone patterns resembling a house are located for study and analysis. Field survey method is the most preferred to others since it is expeditious and relatively cheap.

It is detailed and hence more reliable (Down, David, 47).Once the archaeologist identifies and artifact or a piece of ancient architecture, it is excavated for the study. Analysis methodology, which entails proper and detailed study, is applied. Though it is time and resources consuming, it is important to obtain fine details which could shape the future of human race. During analysis, a cleaned artifact is dated, catalogued and a comparison is made with other, if any, published collection. It is then classified and its features taken in present day context.

The final step in archaeology involves publishing of the new findings and making them available as historical facts (Down, David, 49).Work CitedDown, David. The Archaeology Book. Green Forest, Ark.: Master, 2010.