How do archaeologists often determine the function of an artifact?

By comparing it with present-day objects

The archaeological process goes beyond the mere recovery of artifacts. Once artifacts are recovered, archaeologists engage in their classification. Classification can be based on the material of the artifact, such as stone, clay, metal, bone, or ivory. Another aspect of classification involves determining the function of the artifact, whether it is a tool, ornament, or possibly used for ritual purposes.

Understanding the function of an artifact is often influenced by its resemblance to present-day objects. For example, beads, querns, stone blades, and pots can provide clues. Additionally, archaeologists examine the context in which the artifact was found, such as a house, drain, grave, or kiln, to help identify its purpose.

At times, indirect evidence becomes necessary. For instance, to gather information about clothing in the Harappan civilization, archaeologists rely on indirect evidence, including depictions in sculptures.

Archaeologists establish frames of reference to aid their interpretation. The first Harappan seal discovered, for example, could not be understood until archaeologists had a contextual understanding based on the cultural sequence in which it was found and comparisons with findings in Mesopotamia.