The Proceduralization of Hominin Knapping Skill

Memorizing Different Lithic Technologies

Bibliographic Data

ID6045178
AuthorsAntoine Muller (0000-0003-1646-796X, The University of Queensland, corresponding author), Ceri Shipton (0000-0002-4224-9467, Australian National University), Chris Clarkson (0000-0001-7363-0722)
Year2023
Volume33
Issue4
Pages655-672
Publication date2023-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCambridge Archaeological Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-7743 • E-ISSN: 1474-0540
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0959774323000070
OpenAlexW4366597423
LanguageEN
Citations received14
References cited117

Reconstructing the technical and cognitive abilities of past hominins requires an understanding of how skills like stone toolmaking were learned and transmitted. We ask how much of the variability in the uptake of knapping skill is due to the characteristics of the knapping sequences themselves? Fundamental to skill acquisition is proceduralization, the process whereby skilful tasks are converted from declarative memories (consciously memorized facts and events) into procedural memories (sub-consciously memorized actions) via repetitive practice. From knapping footage, we time and encode each action involved in discoidal, handaxe, Levallois and prismatic blade production. The structure and complexity of these reduction sequences were quantified using k-mer analysis and Markov chains. The amount of time spent on tasks and the pattern of core rotations revealed portions of these reduction sequences that are predisposed to being converted into procedural memories. We observed two major pathways to achieve this proceduralization: either a repetitive or a predictable sequence of core rotations. Later Acheulean handaxes and Levallois knapping involved a predictable platform selection sequence, while prismatic blade knapping involved a repetitive exploitation of platforms. Technologies and the portions of their reduction sequence that lend themselves to proceduralization probably facilitated the more rapid uptake of stone toolmaking skill

Acheulean · Archaeology · Biological evolution · Biology · Hominidae · Knapping · Action Observation and Synchronization · Child and Animal Learning Development · Communication · Computer Science · History · Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology · Psychology · Paleontology

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