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2019-04-29 08:39:24 • ID: 2095
Phylogeny and Convergence in Lithic Technology
Similarities in two distinct technological traditions can be either indicate a common ancestral tradition (Homologies) or are the result of several traditions independently having invented tools with similar forms and/or functions (Convergence).
Without little doubt the artifact of this post is a convergence phenomenon to similar Quina-artifacts, mainly found in S/W-France.
Overall, there is much evidence to suggest that convergence is much more common than expected and that it can take place at different scales, from particular artifact traits to overall tool shapes, as well as in manufacture techniques.
For the Middle Paleolithic / MSA convergence is obvious for different prepared core techniques, either emerging from the Acheulian or "de novo", for stone tools, which often are called "Points" or backed blades-to name just some prominent examples.
In the Archaeological record there are diagnostic clues for convergence:
- large spatial distance between similar tools or techniques
- a considerable chronological gap between similar tools or techniques
- specific variance between the tools beyond replication failure
The distance between the Western Sahara and S/W-France speaks for convergence, especially regarding the absence of a common ancestral Quina" tradition around the Mediterranean.
Suggested Reading:
Convergent Evolution in Stone-Tool Technology edited by Michael J. O’Brien et al. (Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology) . The MIT Press. A seminal Book after 170 years of Palaeolithic Archaeology full of informations about this important issue!
Provenance: R.Schapfeld (GER)
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