Archaeological paradigm perspectives of Neolithic momuments

ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARADIGM PERSPECTIVES OF NEOLITHIC MONUMENTS Name of Student Course Name of Professor University Date Archaeological Paradigm Perspectives of Neolithic Monuments Summary In the first chapter, “Methods and Desires: A History of Megalithic Studies,” three major archaeological approaches to studying Neolithic monumental landscapes are revealed: Cultural, Processual, and Post-processual. The chapter’s Cultural perspective perceives Neolithic monuments as expressions embodying cultural identities and social ideologies (Fraser, 1996). It highlights how the buildings are symbolic within specific cultural settings. Meanwhile, the scientifically based Processual perspective takes Neolithic monuments as responses to environmental conditions and practical needs. It studies society’s labor, distribution, and organization by methodical investigations to identify patterns and functional elements. The post-processual perspective that perceives Neolithic landscapes as social constructs is contrary to deterministic perspectives (Fraser, 1996). It recognizes social diversity, personal freedom, and subjective constructions as it investigates contested spaces where many meanings emerge. This chapter lays the ground for a full understanding of Neolithic monumental landscapes and their cultural, processual, and post-processual aspects. Cultural Perspectives Monumental views were culture-based and borrowed from early megalithic studies. The chapter outlines how early scholars such as Renfrew examined megalithic structures as symbols of the cultures that erected them (Fraser, 1996). This perspective highlights the ceremonies, cultural manifestations, and symbolic values that these creations represent. Cultural perspectives consider time a continuum where cultural permanence and generational shifts are indissolubly connected to monuments. Monuments are perceived as spatial representations ...