Apprenticeship in early neolithic societies: The transmission of technological knowledge at the flint mine of casa montero (Madrid, Spain), ca. 5300–5200 cal BC

This research demonstrates that activities related to teaching stone knapping took place in the Early Neolithic flint mine at Casa Montero (Spain). Raw material sources are shown to be the ideal places for research and analysis of the transmission of technical knowledge. This study is based on the a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Castañeda Clemente, Nuria Ester
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Repositorio:Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.uam.es:10486/721300
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10486/721300
https://dx.doi.org/10.1086/700837
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Early Neolithic
flint mine
Casa Montero
Arqueología
Descripción
Sumario:This research demonstrates that activities related to teaching stone knapping took place in the Early Neolithic flint mine at Casa Montero (Spain). Raw material sources are shown to be the ideal places for research and analysis of the transmission of technical knowledge. This study is based on the analysis of abandoned cores at the site. The methodology and criteria that were utilized to identify lithic debris resulting from apprentice workmanship are described. Identification of errors in selection and execution has enabled a classification of cores according to distinctions in flint knapping ability: expert, advanced, and novice. A premature abandonment of a core is associated with novice workmanship. The method of knowledge transfer of lithic technology is also discussed, proposing an instructional system that may have been used in this early agricultural society. This research suggests a progressive inclusion of youth into the social system by means of technological and social learning in context