worncarried

Worncarried is a term used in archaeology, anthropology, and museology to describe artifacts that show signs of having been worn on the body or carried on the person, rather than deposited or abandoned in a site. The concept focuses on the life history of an object, emphasizing use, mobility, and personal association. The term is a compound neologism blending worn and carried; it is not universally standardized, and many catalogs describe objects by more specific categories (jewelry, tool, amulet).

Identification and interpretation of worncarried objects rely on wear signatures, residues, and construction features that indicate repeated contact with skin, fabric, or the environment. They may be recovered from domestic contexts, graves, or ceremonial spaces. Analysts distinguish worncarried artifacts from those that were intentionally placed or left behind, using context, wear patterns, and residue evidence. The concept helps researchers reconstruct daily practices, personal adornment, and patterns of mobility and exchange.

Examples of worncarried items include jewelry such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces; personal accessories like belts, pouches, beads, and amulets; tools or weapons that show handling or sheath wear; and containers carried in daily life. In some ethnographic contexts, worncarried objects may include medical devices, talismans, or status indicators worn for social or cultural reasons.

Limitations include potential ambiguity and subjectivity in assessing wear versus incidental contact. Preservation bias can affect detectability of wear signatures, and the term should be used alongside more precise typologies and contextual information to ensure clarity in reporting.