[2] It includes major articles, shorter notes, book reviews,[3] and review articles, especially those related to cognitive archaeology.

[5][6] The current editor-in-chief is John Robb, (University of Cambridge).

[7] The journal's focus is on the role and development of human intellectual abilities.

[8] It covers theoretical and descriptive archaeological research, ranging from art and iconography, burial and ritual, representations and symbolism, to the evolution of human cognition.

[2][9] The journal covers all eras and all areas,[10] from the Lower Palaeolithic to Colonialism, and from the Pacific to Central Asia.