Contract archaeology is the practice of conducting archaeological surveys and excavations under legally binding agreements, usually tied to development projects, to protect and document cultural heritage before it is disturbed or destroyed. 🌍 Definition Contract Archaeology: A specialized field of archaeology carried out under contractual arrangements with government agencies, developers, or private organizations. Purpose: To…

Contoured level is a term used in surveying, cartography, geography, and archaeology to describe a surface or representation of terrain where elevations are shown using contour lines at a consistent vertical interval. It essentially refers to the depiction of landform levels through contour mapping. 🌍 Definition Contoured Level: A graphical or mapped representation of the…

A contour line is a fundamental concept in cartography, geography, and archaeology, representing a line drawn on a map that connects points of equal elevation above a reference level (usually sea level). Contour lines allow us to visualize the shape and relief of the land on a flat surface. 🌍 Definition Contour Line: A line…

Contour interval is a fundamental concept in cartography, geography, and archaeology, referring to the vertical distance or difference in elevation between successive contour lines on a map. It is essential for interpreting topographic maps and reconstructing landscapes. 🌍 Definition Contour Interval: The consistent elevation difference between adjacent contour lines on a map. Purpose: Provides a…

Contextual seriation is an archaeological method used to establish the relative chronology of artifacts and sites by analyzing their contextual associations rather than just their stylistic attributes. It builds on the broader technique of seriation, which orders artifacts into sequences based on changes over time. 🌍 Definition Contextual Seriation: A technique that arranges artifacts according…

In anthropology and archaeology, the term context is fundamental—it refers to the position, association, and circumstances in which artifacts, features, or cultural remains are found. It is what gives meaning to material evidence. 🌍 Definition Context: The relationship of an artifact, ecofact, or feature to its surroundings, including spatial location, stratigraphic layer, and association with…

In anthropology and archaeology, the term contact refers to the interaction between different cultural groups, often involving exchange, conflict, adaptation, or transformation. It is a key concept in understanding cultural change, colonial encounters, and the diffusion of ideas and materials. 🌍 Definition Contact: The moment or process of interaction between distinct societies, communities, or individuals.…

Consortship is a term used in anthropology, primatology, and kinship studies to describe a male–female association formed for mating, reproduction, or social alliance. It highlights both biological and cultural dimensions of pair bonding. 🌍 Definition Consortship: A partnership or association between a male and female, often temporary, formed for reproductive purposes or social recognition. Scope:…

In anthropology, zoology, and kinship studies, the term consort pair refers to a male–female partnership formed for mating, reproduction, or social alliance, often observed in both human cultural contexts and animal behavior studies. 🌍 Definition Consort Pair: A bonded male and female who associate closely, usually for reproductive purposes, but sometimes also for social or…

Conservation archaeology is the branch of archaeology focused on the preservation, stabilization, and protection of cultural heritage—artifacts, sites, and landscapes—using scientific techniques and ethical principles. It ensures that archaeological materials are safeguarded for future study and public appreciation. 🌍 Definition Conservation Archaeology: A specialized practice within archaeology that applies conservation science to protect and maintain…

Conservation is a broad concept used in anthropology, archaeology, ecology, and cultural heritage studies, referring to the protection, preservation, and responsible management of natural and cultural resources. 🌍 Definition Conservation (General): The act of safeguarding resources—natural, cultural, or material—for future generations. Anthropological Use: Focuses on how societies protect their environment, cultural heritage, and material culture.…

Consanguinity is a central concept in anthropology, kinship studies, law, and genetics, referring to the degree of biological relationship between individuals who share a common ancestor. It is used to classify kinship ties, regulate marriage rules, and understand inheritance and genetic risks. 🌍 Definition Consanguinity: The state of being related by blood or common descent.…