Chipped-stone technology and social diversity in Mesolithic communities: developing a methodology to assess the lithic chaîne opératoire and explore the technical performance of identity

The social diversity of the Mesolithic era is often underestimated or considered difficult to investigate. Research on this subject is typically relegated to scholars focused on later prehistoric periods, where the wealth of material remains and monuments is seen as more conducive to such inquiries. Additionally, there has been a dominant assumption that social diversity was limited before the advent of agriculture, which follows the Mesolithic period. However, even a brief examination of archaeological evidence and ethnographic studies of contemporary and colonial small-scale societies reveals significant social diversity between and within these communities. This research aims to develop a methodology that facilitates the exploration of social diversity during the Mesolithic by examining performative identity through lithic technology. A hermeneutic approach is employed to achieve this, utilising a detailed theoretical framework as the foundation for a systematic methodological process. Various ‘choices’ made during the knapping process are examined by constructing knapping chaîne opératoires. This methodology is then applied to analyse two archived lithic collections from the counties of Cornwall and Devon, England. The findings of this analysis are discussed, presenting multiple interpretations of performative identity. The results indicate that this approach and methodology can illuminate aspects of lithic technology that have been largely neglected, serving as an effective medium for exploring social diversity in the Mesolithic era.<p></p>

Author dc:creator

• James Glover (21037571)

• Mesolithic
• Lithic techniques
• Methodology
• Cornwall and Devon
• Performative identity

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Identifier

10779/exe.31915551.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/31915551