Material scaffolds in numbers and time
Cambridge Archaeological Journal • Vol/Iss. 23(01) • Cambridge University Press • • Published In • Pages: 19-39 •
By Overmann, Karenleigh A.
Hypothesis
Complexity of material culture will be negatively associated with use of relational estimations of time (30).
Note
Positive correlations found between material complexity and various alternative (non-relational) timekeeping practices: Use of material timekeeping devices: phi = 0.38. Likelihood of counting human age: phi = 0.29. Division of time into epochs: phi = 0.24. Use of solstices for annual timekeeping: phi = 0.35. Lunar cycles used for timekeeping: phi = 0.29. Awareness of solar-lunar cycle mismatch: phi = 0.24. Negative correlations were found between material complexity and relational timekeeping practices using the height of the sun, moon, and stars (phi = 0.20).
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phi correlation | Supported | UNKNOWN | Phi = 0.20 | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Material complexity | Independent | Classes, Preservation And Storage Of Food, Settlement Patterns |
| Division of time into epochs | Dependent | Ordering Of Time |
| Use of solstices for annual timekeeping | Dependent | Ordering Of Time |
| Awareness of solar-lunar cycle mismatch | Dependent | Ordering Of Time |
| Use of relational estimation techniques | Dependent | Ordering Of Time |
| Use of material timekeeping devices | Dependent | Measuring And Recording Devices, Ordering Of Time |
| Counting of human age | Dependent | Age Stratification |
| Use of lunar cycles for timekeeping | Dependent | Ordering Of Time |