Perishable material choice indicates symbolic and representational capacities

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Cognitive Science
• Anthropology

Background:

• The archaeological record primarily consists of durable material culture.
• Absence of evidence (durable artifacts) is often misinterpreted as evidence of absence (symbolic cognition).
• Symbolic cognition may manifest in ways not preserved in the material record.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the assumption that durable material culture is necessary to infer symbolic cognition.
• To explore alternative pathways for the expression and preservation of symbolic thought in the past.
• To highlight the limitations of relying solely on material remains for understanding ancient cognition.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the relationship between material culture and cognition.
• Review of archaeological and anthropological evidence regarding the use of perishable materials.
• Consideration of non-adult and experimental activities as potential indicators of symbolic behavior.

Main Results:

• Perishable materials were often used for symbolic purposes due to practical or temporary needs.
• Symbolic functions may have existed prior to or independent of the use of durable materials.
• Child play and artisan experimentation, often using perishable items, represent significant symbolic activities.

Conclusions:

• The absence of durable symbolic artifacts does not equate to the absence of symbolic cognition.
• Symbolic cognition can be expressed through perishable materials and activities that leave minimal or no material trace.
• A broader interpretation of the archaeological record, including non-durable evidence, is crucial for understanding cognitive evolution.