Playing with language, creating complexity:has play contributed to the evolution of complex language?

We argue that enhanced play may have contributed to the emergence of complex language systems in modern humans (Homo sapiens). To support this idea, we first discuss evidence for an expansion of playing behavior connected to the extended childhood of modern human children, and the potential of this period for the transmission of complex cultural traits, including language. We then link two of the most important functions of play-exploration and innovation-to the potential for cumulative cultural evolution in general and for the emergence of complex language in particular. If correct, the shorter childhood of Neanderthals-involving restrictions on time to experiment and innovate-may have restricted their language (and other symbolic) system/s. Consequently, fully investigating the role that play may have had in the transmission of language and the development of symbolic cultures in both modern humans and Neanderthals provides a new avenue of research for Paleolithic archaeology and related disciplines.</p

The spatial structure of lithic landscapes : the late holocene record of east-central Argentina as a case study

Fil: Barrientos, Gustavo. División Antropología. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Catella, Luciana. División Arqueología. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Oliva, Fernando. Centro Estudios Arqueológicos Regionales. Facultad de Humanidades y Artes. Universidad Nacional de Rosario; Argentin

Models of raw material exploitation as an indicator of Middle Paleolithic Mobility : case studies from uplands of Northern Central Europe

Short-term settlement of Middle Paleolithic hunters leaves a specific toolkit on an archaeological site. In spite of this well-known fact, in some cases, concerning the duration of stay of groups of Neanderthals, mere techno-typological analysis of lithic assemblages seems insufficient. Analysis of raw material exploitation, combined with information about long use, or reworking of certain artifacts appears to be helpful. On most sites from the Middle Paleolithic, archaeological data concerning the raw material procurement shows that it generally had a local character. However, on a range of sites known from uplands of Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland, artifacts prepared of raw material transported from distant outcrops can be found. Such artifacts are usually reworked, showing traces of their long use and value for prehistoric people. It can be assumed that there exists a link between the settlement duration and the knowledge about the explored area, which can be observed in some lithic assemblages. Situation, where a large variability of regional raw material is represented on a site, can be treated as an indicator of stable settlement, while varied exotic raw materials’ presence documents an increase in group mobility