Berkenalan dengan Arkeologi - Humanities, Explained

Summary

In this video, Ali Akbar, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia’s Department of Archaeology, introduces the field of archaeology. He explains its focus on studying ancient cultures through material remains like artifacts, features, ecofacts, and sites. Ali differentiates archaeology from anthropology, highlighting that archaeology studies the material culture of past societies, while anthropology focuses on human behavior and social systems. The video covers the key categories of archaeological data and methods, such as excavation and the importance of understanding both objects and human life in past civilizations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Archaeology is the study of ancient human cultures through material remains, such as artifacts and structures.
• 😀 The word 'Archaeology' comes from the Greek words 'Archaeo' (ancient) and 'Logos' (study), meaning the study of ancient things.
• 😀 Archaeologists focus on understanding past societies by studying physical evidence like artifacts, structures, and environmental features.
• 😀 There are five main categories of archaeological data: artifacts, features, ecofacts, sites, and regions.
• 😀 Artifacts are human-made objects that can be moved, such as coins, tools, and weapons.
• 😀 Features are non-movable human-made structures like ancient buildings, roads, and temples.
• 😀 Ecofacts are natural objects, like bones or plants, that have cultural relevance and can provide insight into human life in the past.
• 😀 A site is a specific location where archaeological data, such as artifacts or features, are found.
• 😀 A region is a larger area that encompasses multiple interconnected archaeological sites.
• 😀 Archaeology differs from anthropology, which focuses on studying human societies and behaviors, while archaeology primarily studies material culture.
• 😀 Although archaeology focuses on studying the material remains of past societies, anthropology may incorporate both material and social aspects in their research.

Q & A

What is the origin of the word 'Archaeology'?

The word 'Archaeology' comes from Greek. 'Archaeo' means ancient or old, and 'Logos' means science, making it the science that studies ancient things or past civilizations.

What is the primary focus of Archaeology?

Archaeology primarily focuses on studying the culture and way of life of past societies through their material remains, such as artifacts, features, and ecofacts.

What are 'Artifacts' in Archaeology?

Artifacts are human-made objects that are movable, such as coins, furniture, and tools, which are used to study the past societies.

How are 'Features' different from 'Artifacts'?

Features are also man-made but cannot be moved without being damaged, like buildings, roads, or religious sites. They are permanent structures left behind by past societies.

What does the term 'Ecofacts' refer to in Archaeology?

Ecofacts refer to natural objects that have been altered or used by humans, such as animal bones, plants, or environmental features like rivers and mountains that played a role in past human life.

What is a 'Site' in Archaeology?

A site in Archaeology is a specific location where artifacts, features, or ecofacts are found. These sites can be located underground or underwater.

Can you explain what is meant by 'Region' or 'Area' in Archaeology?

A region or area in Archaeology refers to multiple interconnected sites in close proximity. These sites share historical or cultural relevance, such as a series of museums or ancient structures that tell a broader historical story.

What are the differences between Archaeology and Anthropology?

Archaeology focuses on the study of material culture, using artifacts and other physical remnants to understand past societies, while Anthropology focuses on human behavior, social structures, and contemporary or living cultures, often using methods like interviews or observation.

How do Archaeologists reconstruct past societies?

Archaeologists reconstruct past societies by analyzing the physical evidence they find, such as artifacts, ecofacts, and features. These clues help them understand how people lived, their social structures, and their cultures.

How does the method of study differ between Archaeologists and Anthropologists?

Archaeologists typically use excavation techniques to uncover material remains from the past, while Anthropologists often conduct research through participant observation or interviews with living communities to study human behavior.