What's That Artifact?

 "A lot of people hear the word 'archeology' and think about ancient Greece or Egypt ...  but there's plenty of archeology that happens right here in our own state ... "

 — Dan Zoto

Archeologist and Museum Volunteer

What is Artifact ID Day?

8 October 2023 — BREWSTER, MA - Is that an Arrowhead? Or just a pointy rock? The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster celebrated Massachusetts archeology month this October by welcoming the public to bring in their “finds” and learn more about them during Artifact ID Day.

The annual events educates people about the field of archeology and the wide range of items one finds on the Cape and Islands - from arrowheads and pottery to mystery rocks and bones. Each year brings a different mix of special finds.

What did people bring in as artifacts this year?

This year featured many stone-based items, including projectile tips of various types, as well as stones masquerading as artifacts. Past years included a variety of animal bones and teeth and mysterious rusted objects, as well as stone artifacts.

What makes something an artifact?

An artifact is any object made or manipulated by people and that shows some sort of physical evidence of past human touch. This could range from finished stone tools to by-products from the making of such a tool. Although technically objects more than 50 years old can be considered artifacts, not every older object is a significant artifact.

How can you tell the difference between a rock and an artifact?

Three types of observation help differentiate a rock from an artifact. Experts first look at the raw material; On the Cape and Islands,  three types of stone form the raw material base for stone tools. Second, archeologists look at the shape of the item, noting features such as sharp or square edges. Finally, they examine the item for physical evidence of manipulation, such as a bifacial edge.

What should people do when they find an artifact?

If someone isn't sure what they have found, they can email a photo of it to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History to better understand what they found. Archeologists encourage people to report significant finds to the the state to increase shared scientific knowledge. In addition, they encourage people to record where the item was found, by both its location and its surroundings - for example, noting it was found sticking out of the side of a newly eroded bank along a particular waterway.

For more info about archeology in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts Archeology Society
• Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: Cape Cod Archeology Exhibits

You might also like ... Ten Thousand Years on Wing Island (October 2020)