How do you know which artifacts belong to which tribe?

Question

Please help me! This is for my archeology homework.

Answer 1

The shape in general of the artifact compared to others, the materials used to create that artifact,  the markings on it, the age, and if there is writing, the language or symbols on the artifact, and any other physical factor that you can compare.

Answer 2

For many artifacts you can not tell - they are very widespread.  

However for some you can tell if there is stylistic differences (decoration/design motifs).  

The general morphology typically points to function (projectiles need a pointy end, pots need to hold water) but the stylistic aspects can change (is a point side notched, corner notched, triangular...etc. on pots - what type of temper is used, what decoration techniques (cord marking, incised, painted) what patterns (zoned triangles, animal motifs, effigy faces) etc.).

Good Luck

Answer 3

How would I know ??

Your question is so generic I would have major problems giving any kind of answer backed up by any proof or valid sources. In fact I probably cant........

Maybe I would venture a guess as to how the artifact reflects the culture or ideology of the tribe.

Status? Tribal influence?? whatever ??

Answer 4

You would have to look at the OLD maps before people were moved to reservations to find out WHO was there.

There are some "tells", like pottery, you can cross off all of california, the paiutes, utes. because all are 'basket people'

If it's a turtle it's probably plains. You learn to look for those kinds of things.

Answer 5

One of the most important things you need for saying that a certain artifact is related to a certain cultural group is provenence. Take for example, projectile points. Some projectile points look every similar, but are found in different parts of the country, and are unrelated culturally. If someone was to hand me this projectile point and ask what cultural group made it and how old it is, I couldn't tell you. I would need to know where the point was found, and in what context.