These types reflect function or use, styles from a particular time period, or specific groups of people. A group of artifacts related to each other based upon some recovery from a common archaeological context. Assemblage examples are artifacts from a site or feature. A wood or bone shaft implement, held in one hand, and used to propel a spear. The tool functions as a lever, giving greater thrust and distance.
Archaeologists tend to classify or type artifacts and features.
This is done by looking at attributes. Attributes are the smallest unit of analysis. An attribute is a characteristic such as color or a measurement of length or width. A clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash, having the ability to absorb large quantities of water and to expand to several times its normal volume. Biface refers to a chipped stone tool which has been completely formed on both sides or faces.