Definition: Archaeologists use the word 'assemblage' to refer to the collection of artifacts recovered from a single site. An artifact assemblage for an 18th century shipwreck might include artifact groups such as arms, navigational equipment, personal effects, stores; one for a Lapita village might include stone tools, shell bracelets, and ceramics; one for an Iron Age village might include iron nails, fragments of bone combs and pins.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Also Known As: artifact (or artefact) assemblage
