Stone Tools and the Evolution of Human Cognition
Nowell, A & I Davidson, eds. (2010) Stone Tools and the Evolution of Human Cognition. University Press of Colorado, Boulder. 234 pp. ISBN 978-1-60732-030-2
Contributors:
PJ Barnard, FL Coolidge, I Davidson, I de la Torre, SL Kuhn, M Moore, A Nowell, D Stout, M White, S Wurz, T Wynn
Description:
This edited volume focuses on myriad ways in which lithic remains can provide insight into the evolution of the human mind. The contributions span technological ranges from the earliest Oldowan to early AMHS technologies, and address issues such as design space, technical competence, strategy, standardization, and symbolism. There are also discussions of the relationship between tool technology and the emergence of language, and final chapters dealing with cognitive capabilities more broadly. This is an interesting read, with contributions from well-established people in this sub-field, and the breadth of topics and approaches will be of benefit to professionals and advanced students alike interested in stone tool technology and/or cognitive evolution.
