Testing for Divergent Transmission Histories among Cultural Characters: A Study Using Bayesian Phylogenetic Methods and Iranian Tribal Textile Data

PloS One • Vol/Iss. 6(4) • The Public Library of Science • • Published In • Pages: e14810 •
By Matthews, Luke J., Tehrani, Jamie J., Jordan, Fiona M., Collard, Mark, Nunn, Charles L.

Abstract

Using Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, the authors ask: "Do cultural traits exhibit different histories of transmission?". They explore two competing models regarding Iranian tribal textile tradition. First, the "hierarchically integrated system hypothesis" emphasizes the importance of a core tradition and peripheral traits that are shared among contemporaneous populations. Second, the "multiple coherent units hypothesis" suggests that the groups of cultural traits have different transmission histories. The results show more support towards the "multiple coherent units hypothesis", specifically that pile-weave designs emerge as a cultural unit with a unique phylogenetic history compared to other textile characters.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Museum CollectionsResearcher's own122 characters retrieved from the textile sample, including 42 techniques of preparation and fabrication. 24 pile-weave designs, and 56 flat-weave designs.
Ethnographic FieldworkResearcher's ownTehrani, Jamie. J's ethnographic fieldwork in Iran (May 2001-June 2003).
The Pazryk CollectionResearcher's ownThese textiles came from a nomadic community that lived in Siberia (2400-2300 years ago).

Hypotheses (2)

HypothesisSupported
There is a core tradition of characters ('flat-weave designs') in Iranian tribal textile traditions that changes gradually over time through descent with modification, while characters on the periphery are shared among different contemporaneous populations ('pile-weave designs').Not supported
There is not a core tradition of characters in Iranian tribal textile traditions; instead, the various cultural units with their set of characters ('pile-weave design') have different transmission histories.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado