Many people know the archaeological term “artifact”: a portable item that was made, modified, or used by people. But what do archaeologists mean by “feature”? Features are non-portable evidence of human activity—physical structures or elements that were made or altered by people but cannot be moved. They include storage or garbage pits, hearths, post molds or other house remnants, and a wide range of other types. MVAC Research Intern Cindy Kocik shows how archaeologists recognize, describe, and interpret features, using examples from western Wisconsin. Studying features helps archaeologists interpret and understand past activities and how people used the land, went about their daily lives, and adapted and changed through time.
