Artefact Investigation Kit
Armed with this kit, you will be able to investigate all of the artefacts on this web site, and you can use it to help you find out more about any other artefacts you may see in the future!
The kit is in the form of a series of questions that an archaeologist might ask when investigating an artefact. After each question is a series of clues about how to work out the answers for yourself.
What colour is the artefact?
The colour of an object is one of the first things you notice. It can be very helpful in helping you decide what it was made from. It might also help you decide whether it is corroded and has been in the ground for a long time.
What is it made of?
Remember to look for the clues - what colour is it? Is it hard or soft? Is the surface smooth or rough? How heavy is the object? If you think you know what the object is, this will also help you to guess what it was made from.
How do you think the artefact was made?
Again, look for the clues. Was it made in one piece, or has it been assembled from different parts? Is it all made from one kind of material, or different kinds? If different pieces were used, how are they fitted together? Think about the material from which it was made, too: what kind of technology was needed to make artefacts from this material?
Who used the artefact?
Think of this artefact being used by someone. What would they use it for? Would they use it every day or occasionally? Would the artefact be very valuable to them? Was the person wealthy or poor, female or male? What do you think?
What does this find tell archaeologists about the people who lived in medieval times?
Think of all the above clues, and see if you can summarise what this artefact tells us about the lives of people in medieval times.
What happens to an artefact like this after it has been found?
The discovery of an artefact by archaeologists is only one stage in the artefact's life. Once found, it has to be carefully cleaned, and often also conserved to ensure it does not decay or fall apart. It is recorded by photography and drawing, and investigated to provide information about the lives of the people who used it in medieval times. When all this is done, it may be put on display in a museum. How do you think it should be displayed? Is there a way to display it that would help people understand its importance? How can the artefact be looked after so that future generations will also be able to learn from it?