Modular Artifact Tool V2: Core Method and Archive-Repository Application

Modular Artifact Tool V2: Core Method and Archive-Repository Application is a two-paper research set proposing a lightweight, evidence-centered approach to preserving how archaeological knowledge develops and changes over time. Part I defines the core method. Rather than treating an artifact as a single claim, V2 treats the artifact as an anchor for multiple evidence-bearing components - including identity, chronology, archaeological context, provenance, attribution, function, condition, inscription, and interpretation - each of which may maintain its own evidentiary state while remaining connected to the professional determination, supporting evidence, responsible source, date, uncertainty, and prior history behind it. The model introduces determination history, selective professional escalation, bounded use of AI, and component-level GREEN, GREEN-YELLOW, YELLOW, RED, and STOP states designed to preserve revision without erasing earlier evidence-backed conclusions. Part II examines archive and repository application. It places the same core method within archaeology, museums, collections, archives, universities, and digital repositories, asking whether a thin review-logic layer can improve traceability, auditability, and responsible revision without replacing established expertise, institutional authority, catalogues, or collection-management systems. Drawing on existing cultural-heritage, archival, repository, interoperability, and digital-preservation practices, it proposes a constraint-first implementation and a measurable 10-25-record pilot. Together, the papers advance one falsifiable proposition: archaeological records may become easier to understand, maintain, and responsibly revise when evidence, professional determinations, uncertainty, and the history of change remain visibly connected. V2 is not presented as an authentication system or a claim of permanent historical truth; its value must be demonstrated through professional use.