artifactswithin
Artifactswithin is a term used in archaeology and cultural heritage studies to describe artifacts and material culture that are produced, used, and circulated within a single community or geographic area. The concept emphasizes local origin and internal exchange networks, distinguishing these items from material that appears to be imported or produced outside the local system.
Definition and scope. Artifactswithin refers to assemblages in which evidence from field context, manufacturing technique, raw
Applications. The term is used to reconstruct local economies, social organization, and craft specialization. It helps
Methods. Identification relies on a combination of contextual analysis, material sourcing (petrography, geochemical/isotopic methods), typological study,
Examples. Local pottery made from regionally available clay, tools fashioned from stones or metals sourced within
Critique. The term can overemphasize isolation and obscure complex exchange networks. It requires robust, multi-proxy evidence,
Status. Artifactswithin is a conceptual label used in case studies rather than a formal category in major