Skill Matters

Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory - Tập 15 - Trang 154-166 - 2008
Peter Bleed1
1Department of Anthropology and Geography, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, USA

Tóm tắt

Skill is a challenging topic for archeologists because it requires balancing the biases of cultural relativity with the commonsense understanding that some humans are more able than others. Using the content and results model of technology, this paper identifies skill as a variable of technological knowledge with recognizable material results. Late Paleolithic Japanese blade and microblade assemblages suggest that skill differentials exist on the cognitive, operational, and motor levels. These examples, together with ethnoarcheological consideration of modern potters suggest material reflections of technical skill. These include regularity in performance and product, skilled tools, and obvious signs of practice.

Tài liệu tham khảo

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