archaeological contextualism

Archaeological contextualism is an approach that emphasizes understanding artifacts within their specific historical and cultural settings. Instead of studying items in isolation, it considers how objects relate to their surroundings, their use, and their time period. This approach helps archaeologists interpret what artifacts reveal about past societies’ behaviors, beliefs, and social structures by examining their discovery locations, ownership, and associations with other finds. Essentially, it aims to reconstruct a fuller picture of historical life by placing objects within their original context, ensuring interpretations are grounded in the artifact's specific archaeological setting.