The analysis of variability in 'simple core technologies' : case studies of chipped stone technology in post-PPN assemblages from the Levant
Flake based chipped stone assemblages demonstrating simple reduction methods and techniques dominate post-PPN periods throughout the Levant. These 'simple core technologies' are dismissed as 'ad-hoc', simply representative of a devolution in technological progress following the sophistication of the PPN Naviform blade technology. Few assemblages with simple core technologies have been analyzed in detail providing no real understanding of the shift from production of prismatic blades to highly variable flake products. Recent archaeological theory asks us to discover variability generated by individual actors in prehistory. Later prehistoric chipped stone assemblages in the Levant, however, generally do not lend themselves to methods of refitting incorporated within recent Cognitive approaches; instead, analysis focused on changes in attribute frequencies is advocated. In attempting to describe constraints of material and mechanical structure as well as variables applicable to methodology, it may be possible to illustrate specific shifts in attribute transmission lying behind overall strategy changes. Such proportional shifts in material culture document the evolution of human culture. Experimental replication
McCartney, Carole
The analysis of variability in 'simple core technologies' : case studies of chipped stone technology in post-PPN assemblages from the Levant. Flake based chipped stone assemblages demonstrating simple reduction methods and techniques dominate post-PPN periods throughout the Levant. These 'simple core technologies' are dismissed as 'ad-hoc', simply representative of a devolution in technological progress following the sophistication of the PPN Naviform blade technology. Few assemblages with simple core technologies have been analyzed in detail providing no real understanding of the shift from production of prismatic blades to highly variable flake products. Recent archaeological theory asks us to discover variability generated by individual actors in prehistory. Later prehistoric chipped stone assemblages in the Levant, however, generally do not lend themselves to methods of refitting incorporated within recent Cognitive approaches; instead, analysis focused on changes in attribute frequencies is advocated. In attempting to describe constraints of material and mechanical structure as well as variables applicable to methodology, it may be possible to illustrate specific shifts in attribute transmission lying behind overall strategy changes. Such proportional shifts in material culture document the evolution of human culture. Experimental replication
analysis variability simple core technology case_study chip_stone technology post assemblage levant flake base chip_stone assemblage demonstrate simple reduction method_technique dominate post period throughout levant simple core technology dismiss hoc simply representative devolution technological_progress follow sophistication blade technology assemblage simple core technology analyze_detail provide real shift production blade highly variable flake product recent_archaeological theory ask discover variability generate individual actor prehistory later_prehistoric chip_stone assemblage levant however generally lend method incorporate within recent cognitive approach instead analysis focus change attribute frequency advocate attempt_describe constraint material mechanical structure well variable applicable may possible illustrate specific shift attribute transmission lie_behind overall strategy change proportional shift material_culture document evolution human culture experimental replication