Session: #207

Discussion session: session with a key note speaker with contributions from discussants and discussion
Speaker: Prof Larry Barham

Research results of the past decade or two shifted and enhanced our understanding of technology-related behaviours during the African Middle Stone Age and European Middle Palaeolithic. Novel interdisciplinary approaches have been introduced, leading to new knowledge about techno-behaviours prior to about 40 000 years ago. Theoretical approaches and broad regional interpretations, on the other hand, show more sluggish development. Empirical results, sometimes based on new techniques, are therefore often impressive and even surprising, but recurrently presented in the context of under-theorised interpretative frameworks.
In this session we aim to interweave African and European theoretical concepts by presenting papers that explore the integration of techno-behavioural approaches with theoretical curiosity. In particular, we invite papers that include discussion on the following topics: How can we expand existing theoretical approaches to understand techno-behaviours during the Middle Stone Age and/or Middle Palaeolithic? What theoretical approaches are needed to develop new, in-depth understandings about the people who lived during these time periods? What interpretative perspectives on material culture studies are needed to bridge scientific and technological approaches with theory?

Middle Stone-Age Middle Palaeolithic Theory

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Professor Anders Högberg (Sweden) ^1,2

Professor Marlize Lombard (South Africa) ²
Erella Hovers (Israel) ³