May 1, 2024
Updated July 18, 2025
11 minute read
As an object created by humans for a specific purpose that may be of historical significance, an artifact offers a powerful lens into the past that can help enhance our understanding of ancient cultures and civilizations. The study of artifacts has fascinated individuals for centuries, leading to significant advances in historical research and the preservation of cultural heritage.
History of Artifact Study
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Find a path to becoming a Artifacts. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Artifacts.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of material culture studies. It covers a wide range of topics, from the theoretical foundations of the field to the practical methods used to study material culture. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of material culture.
Offers a more in-depth exploration of the theoretical and methodological approaches used in artifact study. Hodder argues that artifacts are not simply passive objects, but rather active agents that can shape human behavior and social interactions. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the interpretive potential of artifacts.
This introductory textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of artifact study, covering topics such as the definition and classification of artifacts, the methods used to analyze and interpret them, and the ethical considerations involved in their study. It is an excellent resource for students and scholars alike.
Provides a cultural studies approach to the study of material culture. Miller argues that material culture is not simply a reflection of social and cultural values, but rather an active force that shapes human behavior and social interactions. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the cultural significance of material culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of artifact study in French. Demoule covers a wide range of topics, from the theoretical foundations of the field to the practical methods used to study artifacts. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of artifacts in French.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of artifact study in Chinese. Liu covers a wide range of topics, from the theoretical foundations of the field to the practical methods used to study artifacts. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of artifacts in Chinese.
This collection of essays explores the diverse ways in which artifacts can be used to reconstruct past human behavior. Sabloff and his contributors examine topics such as the role of artifacts in social identity, the use of artifacts in ritual and ceremony, and the ways in which artifacts can be used to track the movement of people and ideas.
Examines the material culture of the British Empire, from the objects that were used to establish and maintain colonial rule to the objects that were produced by colonized peoples in response to imperial domination. Stoler argues that artifacts can provide valuable insights into the power dynamics and social relations of empire.
Explores the ways in which artifacts can be used to understand the experiences of colonized peoples. Hirini focuses on the material culture of indigenous peoples in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, and she argues that artifacts can provide valuable insights into the ways in which colonized peoples resisted and adapted to colonial rule.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the material culture of the Vikings, from their weapons and tools to their clothing and jewelry. Price draws on a wide range of sources, including archaeological evidence, historical texts, and ethnographic accounts, to reconstruct the everyday lives of the Vikings.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/jd9o1q/artifact
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