Modeling the Relational Structure of Ancient Societies through the Chaîne opératoire: The Late Chalcolithic Societies of the Southern Levant as a Case Study

Abstract

In this paper, I focus on two issues: (1) the variables for modeling the relational structure of a society and (2) the use of models for explaining evolutionary processes. I argue first that, contrary to stylistic traits which are the main attributes analyzed by models exploring changes in material culture through time, technological traditions are meaningful variables for linking sites over space and time and therefore for bringing to light the relational structures of societies. Indeed, at the difference to stylistic traits, their transmission requires social learning with a tutor usually selected within one’s social group, signaling thereby individuals belonging to the same social group and local network. Once the relational structure of a society is highlighted, I argue that explanation of evolution processes requires reference sociological models. The validation of the archeological interpretation lies in both the analogical operation and the founding of the reference model. These points are illustrated with a case study, the Late Chalcolithic of the southern Levant (4500–3900 cal. BC).