{"id":6923,"date":"2025-04-24T05:31:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T05:31:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/?page_id=6923"},"modified":"2025-06-12T22:23:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T22:23:36","slug":"t12-s07-papers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/t12-s07-papers\/","title":{"rendered":"T12\/S07: From Stone to Synapses: Shaping Thoughts Through Neural Cognition and Brain Development During Human Evolution"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Format: Paper presentations with discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convenors: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr S. B. Ota, 
Secretary, Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT), India; Former Joint Director General Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, India, simadriota@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tanusree Pandit, 
Dept of Anthropology, Panjab University, India, tanusree2@gmail.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suman Pandey, 
Treasurer, Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT), Vidisha, India, suman12asi@gmail.com<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Niharika Srivastava, 
Joint Secretary, Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training, Vidisha, India, niharika.aahrt@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This session explores the meta-cognitive approach and the intricate relationship between the cognitive implications of human evolution and typo-technological study of various prehistoric materials, which has experienced an exponential growth over the past few years. Lithic exploitation is an example of practical adaptation of early hominins reflecting the layers of cognitive processes, building mental models and decision-making techniques for the selection, acquisition, and alteration of raw materials. This session will critically assess how lithic variability reflects the understanding of memory, fine motor control, eye-hand brain coordination and spatial reasoning. With increased archaeological sites and associated assemblages, complexity has been envisioned through the various forms of not only lithic kits, but also through symbolic expressions and rock art, reflecting divergence as a complex cultural entity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This session will also adhere to a thorough grasp of the relationship between archaeology and neuroscience through a variety of focus-oriented participatory methodologies. Innovative research areas related to this session will receive special attention. These areas will focus on multi-dimensional processes in tool production, as well as advancements in experimental archaeology to better understand early hominin decision-making and facilitate cross-cultural comparisons among primates. In order to ensure a comprehensive understanding of lithic manufacture and the layers of mind, we welcome contributions employing diverse approaches which may include original research work, reviews, and ethnographic studies that address themes relevant to cross-disciplinary perspectives but are not limited to combining archaeology, anthropology, neurobiology, primatology and cognitive science, while other allied areas will also be entertained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers can exchange ideas, talk about methodological issues, and have productive conversations on the intricate relationships between human and their environments throughout prehistoric times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We encourage scholars at all career stages, particularly early career researchers, to submit their work. We anticipate an engaging, thought-provoking discussion and collaborative ideas that will enhance our understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Papers:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Understanding from Mistakes: Force, Precision, and Evolution of Stone Tool Making from Paisra, Munger District, India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manish Kumar Rai, Research Scholar Department of Neurology IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jose Tom Rapheal, Assistant Prof., Dept Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vijaya Nath Mishra, Dept of Neurology, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pratik Pandey and Satyam Bharti, Research Scholar, Dept Ancient Indian History, Culture & Archaeology, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technological innovation has been a cornerstone of human evolution, with early stone tool production reflecting advanced cognitive and biomechanical capabilities. This study explores lithic artefacts from the Paisra site, integrating experimental archaeology with advanced analytical techniques to examine the relationship between motor skills, cognitive processes, and tool-making strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Paisra assemblage comprises a variety of tool types, including both standardised and non-standardised forms. These variations hold cognitive implications, shedding light on the development and refinement of standardised tool-making techniques. To investigate the complexity of these tools, we employed biomechanical and neurocognitive methods, including surface electromyography (sEMG) and experimental knapping trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two distinct behaviours associated with lithic production were analysed: forceful percussion, a behaviour also observed in non-human primates, and precise flaking, a hallmark of hominin technological evolution. Our findings reveal that practical knapping experience significantly improves tool-making efficiency, reducing muscular effort during flaking. This highlights the critical role of motor skill development in early lithic innovation. Moreover, the cognitive demands of planning and executing precise flake production are inferred to have driven significant neural adaptations in early hominins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decoding Hominin Adaptation Strategies from Intra-site Activities Through Acheulian Surface Artefact Scatters from Tikoda Locality-II, District-Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, India<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suman Pandey, Deccan College Post-Graduate & Research Institute Pune, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In India we are lucky enough to have a good number of Acheulian sites that are becoming exposed due to soil erosion, deforestation and various other human activities. Most archaeologists in India consider such sites as disturbed surface sites, hence potential for their detailed study to determine hominin behaviour is ignored. But it is realised in recent years that many of these surface scatters of artefacts once buried are in their primary context, and not fully disturbed as was thought previously. Hence, a methodology needs to be developed to extract maximum information about Hominin behaviour from such sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keeping this in view, the Tikoda Locality-II has been taken up for study. This site is in the hinterland on the pediment zone of Vindhyan Hill, within a forest ecozone with the availabilities of raw material nearby that must have played a major role in shaping the lithic assemblage at the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The present paper develops a methodology to study such extensive surface scatters of artefacts in a meaningful way at Tikoda locality-II. This methodology is broadly segregated into two distinct studies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Detailed and systematic documentation of the lithic scatter<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Post-depositional processes, including the recent erosional activity responsible for disturbing the lithic scatter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The systematic recording of the lithic scatter includes several parameters, such as artefact type, raw-material and grain size, weight, object dimension, tool dimension etc. Whereas for understanding post-depositional processes, the taphonomical aspects of artefacts includes parameters like abrasion, weathering and modern-damage, orientation, inclination etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The preliminary investigations at the site show that the lithic scatter visible today on the surface has not undergone substantial movement after being exposed. Cluster analysis of artefacts has shown various activity loci, in addition to the nature of activities at certain lithic scatters. Interestingly, this surface study of artefacts has shown that this locality had been occupied periodically, as has been noticed and confirmed through excavated remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring the Role of Grinding Stones in Neolithic Economic Practices: Insights from the Xicaodun Site in Southeastern China<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hong Chen, Institute of Cultural Heritage and Museology, School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, China; Laboratory of Art and Archaeology Image, Zhejiang University, China<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yongming Lu, Yixue Tang and Yao Jin, Institute of Cultural Heritage and Museology, School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University, China<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ye Zhao, Zhejiang Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, China<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xiqi Shi, Jiaxing Institute of Cultural Relics Protection and Archaeology, China<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yang Geng, Jiaxing Museum, China<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study investigates the cognitive dimensions of Neolithic ground stone tool production through a case study of grinding stones from the Xicaodun site, associated with the Liangzhu culture. By integrating hierarchical dynamic typology, design theory, and use-wear analysis, we interrogate how tool design and use strategies reflect layered cognitive processes, including decision-making and resource optimisation. The analysis highlights how the systematic production of grinding stones at the Xicaodun site underscores trade-offs for raw material selection, technological adaptation, and energy-efficient workflows\u2014key markers of cognitive evolution in early sedentary societies. Furthermore, the standardisation of grinding stones aligns with divergent cultural complexity, as efficiency in tool production may have supported broader societal innovations, as a stone workshop. This work positions lithic exploitation not merely as a technical act but also as a cognitive scaffold that structured early economic practices, offering insights into how prehistoric communities negotiated material constraints through embedded cognitive strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Stone Tools to Smart Algorithms: A Special Reflection on Cognition with AI and ML<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tanusree Pandit, Dept of Anthropology, Panjab University, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early humans\u2019 cognitive and motor development was greatly influenced by stone tool knapping, which shaped the evolution of brain areas linked to abstract thought, problem-solving, and manual dexterity. The development of more intricate flaking techniques is indicative of growing brain sophistication, especially in the prefrontal cortex, parietal lobe, and motor control areas, enhancing cognitive capacities by requiring fine hand-eye coordination, sequential planning, and the capacity to visualise end goals. With geometric morphometric methods, researchers are able to observe subtle variations in tool symmetry, edge angles, and knapping accuracy over time, which provides hints about the cognitive and neurological advancement of ancient humans. By offering computational programs and sophisticated instruments, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming prehistoric studies. Lithics are categorised by machine learning (ML) algorithms, which also identify trends in tool making and improve dating techniques and relying on manual classification and typology. Archaeologists can identify minute differences in knapping methods and cultural transmission by using machine learning algorithms to examine tool shape, flake scars, and raw material composition. Predictive models also support investigations on the provenance of artefacts and site analysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive Decision Pathways in Prehistoric Blade Production: A Decision-Theoretic, Machine Learning-Based Model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debanjan Mitra, Pankaj Singh and Reggie Keishing, Dept of Archaeology and Ancient Indian Culture, Tripura University, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This research re-envisions prehistoric blade production as a series of structured interlocking decision pathways rather than a set of ad hoc mechanical acts, furnishing a compelling window into early human cognition. This paper advances a theoretical proposition that integrates decision theory with machine-learning techniques to model how prehistoric toolmakers might have navigated the challenges of laminar reduction in ways that resonate with algorithmic thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The machine-based experimental model has been founded on heuristic principles. Rather than relying on direct archaeological or experimental analogues, the model systematically simulates possible decision routes and their outcomes, offering an \u2018idealised\u2019 lens on the interplay of planning, feedback, and resource use. This theoretical construct underscores how structured logic and adaptive strategies worked in tandem, revealing a nuanced blend of foresight and real-time problem-solving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this paper does not directly compare its output to archaeological or experimental knapping data, the initial success of the machine-driven model can serve as an important analogical foundation for future empirical validations. Ultimately, this decision-theoretic and machine-learning approach broadens our insight into prehistoric blade production by highlighting the intricate decision pathways knappers followed, underscoring the sophisticated, rule-based cognition that guided their toolmaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cultural Transmission and Convergence Processes in Pleistocene Northeastern Asia: Based on Complex Investigations of Yubetsu and Tougeshita Microblade Industries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aleksandr Ulanov, Faculty of Humanities and Human Science, Hokkaido University, Japan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study examines the spread of microblade technology related to processes of cultural transmission and convergence in Late Pleistocene northeastern Asia. Cultural transmission in application to lithic technology is the process related to social learning and inheritance of a habitus as a decision-making framework. In turn, cultural convergence is the process of independent emergence of cultural phenomena in different social groups due to variable reasons, for instance, similarities in adaptation patterns. Thus, the spread of microblade technology in northeastern Asia is related to different cognitive-behavioural mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using scar pattern analysis, use-wear analysis, and technological analysis, the study evaluates the Yubetsu and Tougeshita methods of microblade core reduction. The Yubetsu method, characterised by structured sequences and long-term tool maintenance, aligns with curated technological traditions, suggesting social learning-based transmission. Conversely, the more flexible Tougeshita method, with high variability, indicates a combination of independent innovation and stimulus diffusion, rather than direct transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microblade industries in Late Pleistocene northeastern Asia and Beringia provide insights into prehistoric population dynamics. The dispersal of microblade technology corresponds with the migration of ancient Palaeosiberian groups during the Last Glacial Maximum, with evidence of transmission mechanisms including direct inheritance, stimulus diffusion, and cultural convergence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock Art of North Chhattisgarh, India: A Cognitive Perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bhagyashree Diwan, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rock art of North Chhattisgarh, India, represents the richness of prehistoric cultural expressions that decode meaningful insights of cognitive and symbolic world of early hominin societies. This study explores the cognitive dimensions reflected in the rock art of North Chhattisgarh, a region rich in prehistoric cultural materials, analysing their symbolic meanings, cultural significance, and psychological underpinnings. This topic emphasises the role of cognitive processes in shaping artistic expression, offering insights into how ancient people perceived and interpreted their world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through detailed documentation and analysis, Rock Art of North Chhattisgarh provides valuable contributions to both archaeological research and cognitive studies, shedding light on how early humans engaged with their environment and each other through visual culture., particularly in regions like Raigarh, Surguja, Koriya, Manendragarh and Korba, is characterised by intricate motifs, anthropomorphic figures, geometric patterns, and depictions of hunting, social rituals, and spiritual beliefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prehistoric Landscape and Human Adaptation in the Aravali Range in Haryana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Banani Bhattacharyya, Deputy Director, Dept of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Aravalli Hills, one of the world\u2019s oldest mountain ranges, are crucial for the ecology and climate of northwestern India. They serve as a barrier to the Thar Desert and help maintain regional biodiversity. However, they face ecological threats from deforestation and rapid development, particularly in Haryana, which leads to forest degradation. The hills are ecologically important, hosting a variety of flora and fauna, and require proper monitoring for biodiversity restoration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hills support diverse flora and fauna, requiring robust conservation efforts to protect and rehabilitate ecosystems impacted by human activities. They are significant for archaeological research, revealing important Palaeolithic sites and stone tools illuminating early human technological and cultural advancements. The presence of rock art, including cave paintings and cup marks, further enriches our understanding of prehistoric life, indicating advanced cognitive and social capabilities among early populations. They likely served various functions, including communication, storytelling, and the expression of cultural identity. The existence of such art forms suggests that early humans engaged in symbolic thinking and developed complex social structures, revealing a rich tapestry of life and beliefs. Protecting this invaluable landscape is vital for safeguarding the historical narratives that shape our understanding of human evolution and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cognitive Aspects of Rock Art: An Anthropological Perspective of Chhattisgarh<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bhenu, Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh, India<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Indian context, at least in the Chhattisgarh region, the range of narratives in the rock art paintings indicate several clear stages of culture. The north and south region of Chhattisgarh is a tribal dominated area and 99% of rock art sites are found here. These tribal communities have been living around the rock art sites from past till today and these archaeological remains are deeply connected to their roots. These populations have many tangible and intangible heritage behind those figures and it can help to read the psychology of ancient humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analytical study on naturalistic or realistic figurative detail in rock art discerns that the social organisation, economy and culture represented in the majority of rock art sites are almost identical to the tribal and other rural societies that retained their oral tradition. Hence, an attempt will be made through this research paper to highlight the Indigenous tribal history, their traditional perspectives, experiences and emotions as reflected in the rock art paintings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stone Toolmaking and Cognitive Complexity: Searching for the Origins of Hierarchical and Recursive Reasoning in the Palaeolithic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antoine Muller, SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larissa Mendoza Straffon, SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Dept of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Norway<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ceri Shipton, Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Francesco d\u2019Errico, SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Universit\u00e9 de Bordeaux, CNRS, Minist\u00e8re de la Culture, PACEA, France<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stone toolmaking involves different sequences of gestures, tasks, and goals, many of which are hierarchically complex, and potentially recursive. Here, we draw on experimental and archaeological evidence to explore complexities of stone toolmaking sequences. We reconstruct the minutia of the actions recorded from videotaped stone toolmaking experiments, as well as the size of debris and size of flake scars preserved on the surface of archaeological stone artefacts. We ask whether these sequences are recursive in a linguistic sense? Even for very complex stone tool technologies, it can be difficult to contradict the null hypothesis that they could have been parsed iteratively with a complex, but not recursive, chain of steps. With an eye towards identifying early recursive reasoning, we highlight specific sub-sequences of some technologies where stone toolmakers make counter-intuitive detours to solve unexpected problems as they arrive, before returning to the overarching goal. These diversions involve similar nested sequences on a smaller scale, often requiring gestures, or even pantomime, to impart the significance of these actions to observers. With case studies from Early Stone Age handaxes and Middle Stone Age Levallois cores, we chart the evolution in the complexity of these stone toolmaking sequences throughout the Homo lineage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Format: Paper presentations with discussion Convenors:  Dr S. B. Ota, Secretary, Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT), India; Former Joint Director General Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, India, simadriota@gmail.com Tanusree Pandit, Dept of Anthropology, Panjab University, India, tanusree2@gmail.com  Suman Pandey, Treasurer, Academy for Archaeological Heritage Research and Training (AAHRT), Vidisha, India, suman12asi@gmail.com  Niharika Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Academy for Archaeological […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1157,"featured_media":276,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-6923","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"pmpro-has-access","7":"czr-hentry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6923","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1157"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6923"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6923\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8933,"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6923\/revisions\/8933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldarchaeologicalcongress.com\/wac10\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6923"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}