Ethnoarchaeology is a subfield of archaeology that studies contemporary cultures to better understand past human behaviors and practices. By observing how modern societies use tools, create structures, and interact with their environment, researchers can draw parallels to ancient cultures. This approach helps archaeologists interpret artifacts and features found at archaeological sites. This method often involves fieldwork, where archaeologists engage with living communities, documenting their daily activities and cultural practices. For example, studying the pottery-making techniques of a current group can provide insights into the pottery found at sites associated with ancient civilizations like the Maya or Inca.