Artifact Detective Worksheet
Artifact Detective
Archaeology & Early Civilizations Field Guide
Name:
Date:
Archaeologist Rule: An artifact is an object created, shaped, or modified by human beings. Objects made entirely by nature (like river rocks, water, sand, shells, or fallen branches) are NOT artifacts!
Mission: Examine the 12 site finds below. CIRCLE all items that are ARTIFACTS. Put a large X over items that are NATURAL.
FIND #01
Clay Storage Jar
Molded from wet clay, decorated with bands, and fired in an ancient kiln.
Dig Layer: A Circle or X
FIND #02
Smooth River Rock
Tumbled and smoothed naturally over centuries by rushing river water.
Dig Layer: B Circle or X
FIND #03
Emperor Gold Coin
Gold melted, hammered flat, and stamped with the king’s royal seal.
Dig Layer: A Circle or X
FIND #04
Desert Sand Dune
Tiny bits of quartz rock crushed down by natural wind erosion.
Dig Layer: C Circle or X
FIND #05
Flint Arrowhead
Stone carefully chipped and sharpened by ancient hunters to tip an arrow.
Dig Layer: B Circle or X
FIND #06
Spring Water Pool
Fresh rainwater flowing and pooling naturally out of an underground aquifer.
Dig Layer: Surface Circle or X
FIND #07
Woven Reed Basket
Marsh grass stalks dried and braided together by hand to carry harvested seeds.
Dig Layer: A Circle or X
FIND #08
Fallen Oak Branch
Grew naturally on a wild tree and broke off in a storm with no human modification.
Dig Layer: Surface Circle or X
FIND #09
Bronze Blade
Copper and tin ore melted, cast in a stone mold, and sharpened by a metalsmith.
Dig Layer: B Circle or X
FIND #10
Clam Shell
Grown naturally by a mollusk in the ocean to protect its body.
Dig Layer: C Circle or X
FIND #11
Ceramic Oil Lamp
Shaped terracotta bowl crafted with a wick nozzle to burn olive oil for light.
Dig Layer: A Circle or X
FIND #12
Quartz Geode
Mineral crystal cluster formed naturally inside hollow underground rock cavities.
Dig Layer: C Circle or X
?
Archaeologist Field Note
Suppose an ancient farmer drank water from a stream and picked up a naturally smooth river rock. Why is the rock still NOT an artifact?
Artifacts Found: / 6 Natural Objects X-ed: / 6
Tip: If human hands crafted or shaped it, it’s an artifact!