The objects or artifacts of past human societies.

The objects or artifacts of past human societies.

• A. Ethnography
• B. Forensic anthropology
• C. Material culture
• D. Bioarchaeology

Answer: (C)

Objects and tools left by people are the tangible records archaeologists use to understand past lifeways. Material culture refers to the physical goods created, used, and discarded by societies—everything from pottery and stone tools to clothing, architecture, and art—and the contexts in which these items are found. By examining these artifacts and how they relate to one another, researchers can infer technology, economy, social structure, daily practices, and beliefs even when there are few or no written records. Ethnography studies living cultures through fieldwork, not primarily the artifacts of ancient societies. Forensic anthropology analyzes contemporary human remains to identify individuals and determine causes of death. Bioarchaeology looks at human biology in past populations via bones and teeth, often focusing on health and life history rather than the objects people made and used. So the items left behind by past societies are best described as material culture.

Objects and tools left by people are the tangible records archaeologists use to understand past lifeways. Material culture refers to the physical goods created, used, and discarded by societies—everything from pottery and stone tools to clothing, architecture, and art—and the contexts in which these items are found. By examining these artifacts and how they relate to one another, researchers can infer technology, economy, social structure, daily practices, and beliefs even when there are few or no written records. Ethnography studies living cultures through fieldwork, not primarily the artifacts of ancient societies. Forensic anthropology analyzes contemporary human remains to identify individuals and determine causes of death. Bioarchaeology looks at human biology in past populations via bones and teeth, often focusing on health and life history rather than the objects people made and used. So the items left behind by past societies are best described as material culture.