What defines "in situ" artifacts in archaeology?

"In situ" artifacts refer specifically to those artifacts that remain in their original place of deposition, meaning they have not been disturbed or relocated from where they were originally created or used. This concept is crucial in archaeology because the context of an artifact—its relationship to surrounding artifacts and features, as well as its placement within the stratigraphy of a site—provides valuable information about the cultural and historical significance of that artifact.

When artifacts are found "in situ," archaeologists can gather insights about the circumstances of their use, the behavior of past peoples, and the chronological sequence of human activities at a given site. This contextual information is essential for making accurate interpretations of archaeological findings.

The other options reference various conditions that do not align with the definition of "in situ." For example, artifacts that have been destroyed lose their original context, while those that have been moved are no longer in their primary location, making it difficult to accurately assess their historical significance. Additionally, limiting the definition to artifacts only found in the surface layer ignores the broader concept that "in situ" can include artifacts at various depths within a site.