Technologies of Art

Abstract

This paper studies social, material, and technological variation in Paleolithic “art” production. The approach builds on the premise that studying material choices and modification sequences reveals meaningful information about the individuals and society that created the art. Art technologies, rather than appearance, “style,” or iconography, are the focus of inquiry. This paper uses chaîne opératoire methodology to analyze portable art from culturally related Upper Paleolithic (Pavlovian) sites located in the eastern Czech Republic (Moravia). This material-based analysis offers insight into the technological options available to artists working in numerous materials. Comparing chaînes opératoires at four sites clarifies connections between purportedly linked sites and contributes better understanding of the role of art in the generation and reinforcement of social networks in this region. This case study also illustrates how this methodology might be expanded to consider other sites and cultures.

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