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- Cognitive archaeology is the study of past ways of thought through material remains. Humans are distinguished from other life forms by their use of symbols; all intelligent speech and thought are based on these symbols. The meaning ascribed to a sym-bol is specific to a particular cultural tradition and depictions as well as material objects do not directly disclose their meaning to archaeologists.
- The origins of self-consciousness and the development of a cognitive map are hotly debated but there is little archaeological evidence to clarify the matter. Tool manufacturing and the deliberate burial of the dead are two of many ways we may investigate the cognitive behavior of early humans. The act of burial itself implies feelings for the dead. Archaeologists recognize that grave goods in a burial are chosen to give a representation of the identity of the deceased.
- The existence of writing implies a major extension of the cognitive map as written symbols are the most effective way that humans can describe the world around them and communicate with others.
- Material symbols are put to a variety of uses. They can establish place by marking territory, organize the natural world into units of time and distance, serve as instruments of planning, regulate relations between people through use of material constructs such as money, bring people closer to the supernatural or transcendent, and even describe the world itself through artistic representation. All of these material symbols can be seen in various ways in the archaeological record.
Key Concept Identifications
You should be familiar with the meaning and importance of each of the following terms:
Introduction
- Cognitive archaeology, p. 391
Theory and Method
Paleolithic Cave Art
- Parietal art, p. 396
- Mobiliary art, p. 397
Symbols for the Otherworld: The Archaeology of Religion
- Archaeology of cult, p. 412
Archaeological Indicators of Ritual
Identifying the Supernatural Powers
Decoration
- Symmetry Analysis, p. 419
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