Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies

Orality, Memory and the Transmission of Culture

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Archaeology, History
Cover of the book Knowledge and Power in Prehistoric Societies by Lynne Kelly, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lynne Kelly ISBN: 9781316365472
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: May 19, 2015
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Lynne Kelly
ISBN: 9781316365472
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: May 19, 2015
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

In this book, Lynne Kelly explores the role of formal knowledge systems in small-scale oral cultures in both historic and archaeological contexts. In the first part, she examines knowledge systems within historically recorded oral cultures, showing how the link between power and the control of knowledge is established. Analyzing the material mnemonic devices used by documented oral cultures, she demonstrates how early societies maintained a vast corpus of pragmatic information concerning animal behavior, plant properties, navigation, astronomy, genealogies, laws and trade agreements, among other matters. In the second part Kelly turns to the archaeological record of three sites, Chaco Canyon, Poverty Point and Stonehenge, offering new insights into the purpose of the monuments and associated decorated objects. This book demonstrates how an understanding of rational intellect, pragmatic knowledge and mnemonic technologies in prehistoric societies offers a new tool for analysis of monumental structures built by non-literate cultures.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this book, Lynne Kelly explores the role of formal knowledge systems in small-scale oral cultures in both historic and archaeological contexts. In the first part, she examines knowledge systems within historically recorded oral cultures, showing how the link between power and the control of knowledge is established. Analyzing the material mnemonic devices used by documented oral cultures, she demonstrates how early societies maintained a vast corpus of pragmatic information concerning animal behavior, plant properties, navigation, astronomy, genealogies, laws and trade agreements, among other matters. In the second part Kelly turns to the archaeological record of three sites, Chaco Canyon, Poverty Point and Stonehenge, offering new insights into the purpose of the monuments and associated decorated objects. This book demonstrates how an understanding of rational intellect, pragmatic knowledge and mnemonic technologies in prehistoric societies offers a new tool for analysis of monumental structures built by non-literate cultures.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book A Concise History of the New Deal by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Microbial Biotechnology by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book The Peasant in Postsocialist China by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book The Politics of Prisoner Abuse by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Visual Culture in Contemporary China by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Harrison Birtwistle's Operas and Music Theatre by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book The New Fiscal Sociology by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Money and Power in Anglo-Saxon England by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Women Talk More Than Men by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Legal Authority beyond the State by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book More: Utopia by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Economy of Force by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book John Donne and Baroque Allegory by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book Systems Biology by Lynne Kelly
Cover of the book The Power of Oratory in the Medieval Muslim World by Lynne Kelly
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy