Experiment captures why pottery forms are culturally distinct

Tokyo: A study led by Kobe University, published in PNAS Nexus, reveals how potters from different cultural backgrounds learn and reproduce new pottery forms, shedding light on cultural variations in archaeological artifacts.

Researchers, including experts in pottery, motor control, and shape analysis, conducted a field experiment involving 21 wheel-throwing potters from France, India, and Japan.

Despite no differential cultural evolution, they found distinct cultural differences in the final shape and shaping process trajectories of pottery forms.

This suggests the existence of cultural attractors, influencing how artisans assimilate new cultural elements.

Lead researcher Nonaka highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the study, crucial for its success.

While cultural attractors don't negate selective transmission, they offer insights into how artisans incorporate new elements into their craft.

This finding not only enriches our understanding of artisanal practices but also informs archaeological interpretations, potentially identifying community-specific patterns in artifact assemblages.

The study underscores the complexity of human behavior and its implications for cultural evolution and artifact analysis.