What is it about?
Suggests that the earliest intentionally made patterns were based on accidental marks produced in procuring ochre or from cut marks or, alternatively, natural marks that suggest human intervention. The mechanism leading to the actual intentional patterns is hypothesized to derive from the resonance of the visual system with the accidental/natural marks as well as the action of mirror neurons.
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Why is it important?
Provides an alternative approach to symbolic explanations for the first appearance of intentionally made patterns that is based on embodied materially-engaged practices.
Perspectives
The need to base interpretations of the archaeological record on a more sound footing than symbolic approaches.
Derek Hodgson
University of York
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This page is a summary of: Deciphering Patterns in the Archaeology of South Africa, December 2016, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190204112.003.0007.
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