ABSTRACT
Long ago Albert Spaulding observed, correctly in my opinion, that the science of archaeology could be properly described in terms of (a) its subject matter and (b) the dimensions in terms of which this subject matter is studied (Spaulding 1960). The subject matter that we as archaeological scientists study is simply artifacts. We observe all of those modifications of natural materials and, secondarily, of artifacts themselves that humans and hominids produce as a result of their lifeways. We do not study human behavior, as Schiffer advocates, we do not study symbolic codes (cf. Hodder, Patrik), we do not study social systems (cf. Redman), we do not study ancient cultures, we do not study ancient settlements, nor do we study the past. We study artifacts.
