Knowledge Transmission Through the Lens of Lithic Production: a Case Study from the Pastoral Neolithic of Southern Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines theoretical and methodological approaches to measuring and discussing skill in the archaeological record. Focusing specifically on evaluating skill in lithic production, a case study is presented which quantifies production errors in several assemblages of obsidian blades from early pastoralist sites of the Elmenteitan culture in southern Kenya (c. 3000-1400 BP). Analysis of error frequency through the blade core reduction sequence and relationships between error types suggest that production errors in blade production may relate, in part, to the presence of novices' practice and learning. Comparison among assemblages shows that sites closer to the primary obsidian quarry site display higher proportions of blade production errors. Communities-of-practice theory is drawn upon to interpret these patterns and to generate hypotheses for how early Elmenteitan producing herders may have structured knowledge transmission related to lithic production. Finally, the paper discusses how lithic learning may have been integrated into broader social systems relating to pastoralist resilience in eastern Africa.

Lithic technological strategies of the earliest herders at Lake Turkana, northern Kenya

“…Similar risk-reduction networks were also developed by early herders in southern Kenya (Goldstein 2019). Indeed, the presence of identical lithic-reduction techniques across the three sampled sites indicates participation in a shared 'community-of-practice', wherein these skills and techniques were transmitted and maintained among spatially disparate groups (Goldstein 2018). Evidence for social networks surrounding lithic production reflect one facet of broader landscape-level cooperation that first appeared with early herders in Turkana, and culminated with the construction of megalithic cemeteries (Hildebrand et al 2018).…”

“…McCabe 2004). Similar risk-reduction networks were also developed by early herders in southern Kenya (Goldstein 2019). Indeed, the presence of identical lithic-reduction techniques across the three sampled sites indicates participation in a shared 'community-of-practice', wherein these skills and techniques were transmitted and maintained among spatially disparate groups (Goldstein 2018).…”

Usable Pasts Forum: Critically Engaging Food Security

“…Excavations at the Eburru quarry site have further revealed patterns indicative of communal access and spatially structured activity consistent with an organized "community-of-practice" involved in obsidian quarrying and exchange (Goldstein 2019;Goldstein and Munyiri 2017). In ethnographic contexts, participation in these shared endeavors builds connections between disparate groups across a landscape, establishing stock partnerships that aid in recovery from food crises.…”

The lithic assemblage from Sugenya, a Pastoral Neolithic site of the Elmenteitan tradition in southwestern Kenya

“…Herder strategies had lasting effects on the environment (Shahack-Gross et al 2008) and influenced the continued evolution of food-production practices in eastern Africa. Renewed interest in the PN is improving our understanding of this critical time period in terms of tool technology (Langley et al 2017;Goldstein 2018aGoldstein , 2018b, ceramics (Prendergast et al 2012;Ashley and Grillo 2015) and herding practices (Chritz et al 2015;Janzen 2015;Grillo et al 2018). Many opportunities for further work remain, both in terms of new excavations and of existing lithic, ceramic, and faunal assemblages that are in need of (re-)analysis.…”