What aspect does "use context" primarily examine about an artifact?

"Use context" focuses on how an artifact was utilized by its creators and the cultural practices surrounding its use. This aspect is essential for understanding the functionality of the artifact, including what tasks it was used for, how it fit into daily life, and its role within the broader social and economic systems of the time. Analyzing use context allows anthropologists to gain insights into the behaviors, needs, and technologies of the people who made and used the artifact, ultimately revealing the significance of the object within its cultural setting.

While considerations such as the era in which the artifact was made, its physical properties, and the craftsman's technique are all important in the study of artifacts, they do not specifically address how the item was functionally applied in its historical context. Understanding functionality provides a more nuanced interpretation of the artifact's relevance and significance to the culture that created it.