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Updated: Jun 2, 2025

Methods for Presenting Real-world Objects Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions
Published on: June 21, 2019
Perishable material choice indicates symbolic and representational capacities
1Department of History and Philosophy of Science, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University Campus, Ano Ilisia, Athens, Greece etzafestas@phs.uoa.gr; http://scholar.uoa.gr/etzafestas/.
Abstract:
The absence of symbolic material cultural objects in the archaeological record does not prove absence of symbolic cognition. Sometimes perishable materials are selected for symbolic roles, for practical concerns or to indicate a temporary condition. Also some symbolic functions may predate the use of durable materials. Finally, child play and artisan experimentations usually involve cheap and perishable materials. These are symbolic and representational activities that do not leave a material trace.
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