A classification based on an unequal weighting of attributes that are imposed in a hierarchical order so that the attributes defining each class are dependent on the order in which the attributes were considered. It is a system of classifying artifacts or other cultural material into taxa, based on their similarities. An ordered set of operations results in the subdivision of objects into ordered classifications and it stems from the general principles that regulate scientific (biological) classification. Taxonomy is the basis of the organization of material culture remains.