Feature (archaeology)

In archaeology, the term feature is generally used to refer to any nonportable remnant of human activity, such as a hearth, road, or house remains, later found or recovered by some archaeological endeavor. Prehistoric features may include hearths, some types of grinding slabs, structural remnants, burials (human and otherwise), and middens; historic features may include structural remnants, traditional roads, railroads, ornamental objects such as statues, kilns, docks and piers, and the like.

Features are distinguished from artifacts, which are generally small and portable.