Introduction
Welcome to today’s lesson on the top 10 commonly confused words in cultural resource management. As budding professionals in this field, it’s crucial to have a strong grasp of these terms. Let’s dive in!
1. Artifact vs. Ecofact
One of the most common confusions in cultural resource management is between artifacts and ecofacts. While both are valuable archaeological finds, artifacts are objects modified or created by humans, like tools or pottery, while ecofacts are natural objects that provide information about the environment, such as animal bones or plant remains.
2. Preservation vs. Conservation
Preservation and conservation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Preservation focuses on maintaining the original state of an object or site, while conservation involves active efforts to prevent further deterioration. Think of it as preservation being ‘hands-off’ and conservation being ‘hands-on.’
3. Site vs. Feature
In cultural resource management, a site refers to a location with evidence of past human activity, such as a village or burial ground. On the other hand, a feature is a non-portable component within a site, like a hearth or a wall. While all features are part of a site, not all sites have distinct features.
4. Excavation vs. Survey
Excavation and survey are two fundamental methods in cultural resource management. Excavation involves the systematic digging of a site to uncover artifacts and features, providing detailed information. Survey, on the other hand, is a broader assessment of an area, often through surface observations or remote sensing, to identify potential sites.
5. Stratigraphy vs. Chronology
Stratigraphy and chronology are essential for understanding the temporal aspects of a site. Stratigraphy deals with the layers or deposits in an archaeological site, providing insights into the sequence of events. Chronology, on the other hand, is the arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence, often through techniques like radiocarbon dating.
6. Context vs. Provenance
Context and provenance are crucial for interpreting artifacts. Context refers to the relationship of an object with its surroundings, providing insights into its use or significance. Provenance, on the other hand, is the history of an object’s ownership or location, often important for legal or ethical considerations.
7. Cultural Resource vs. Cultural Heritage
While the terms cultural resource and cultural heritage are related, they have distinct meanings. Cultural resources are the physical or tangible aspects of a culture, such as artifacts or sites. Cultural heritage, on the other hand, encompasses not just the physical aspects but also intangible elements like traditions, languages, or knowledge systems.
8. Mitigation vs. Stewardship
Mitigation and stewardship are two important concepts in cultural resource management. Mitigation involves minimizing or offsetting the impact of a project on cultural resources, often through documentation or salvage excavations. Stewardship, on the other hand, focuses on the long-term management and preservation of cultural resources, ensuring their sustainability.
9. Section 106 vs. Section 110
Section 106 and Section 110 are provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act in the United States. Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of their projects on cultural resources, while Section 110 pertains to the protection of archaeological sites on federal lands. Both are crucial for ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.
10. NAGPRA vs. ARPA
NAGPRA and ARPA are two important legislations in the United States. NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, focuses on the repatriation of Native American cultural items. ARPA, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, aims to prevent the looting or destruction of archaeological sites on public or Indian lands.