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Before and Beyond Representation: Towards an enactive conception of the Palaeolithic image

Malafouris, Lambros (2007) Before and Beyond Representation: Towards an enactive conception of the Palaeolithic image. [Book Chapter]

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Abstract

For most archaeologists the meaning of prehistoric art appears to be grounded upon, if not synonymous with, the notion of representation and symbolism. This paper explores the possibility that the depictions we see already 30,000 years before present, for instance, at the caves of Chauvet and Lascaux, before and beyond representing the world, they first bring forth a new process of acting within this world and at the same time of thinking about it. It is argued that the unique ability of those early depictions to disrupt or question the ways the world is experienced under normal conditions makes possible for the visual apparatus to interrogate itself and thus acquire a sense of perceptual awareness not previously available.

Item Type:Book Chapter
Keywords:Palaeolithic perception, cave art, representation, the extended mind, enactivism, cognitive archaeology, prehistoric imagery
Subjects:Philosophy > Philosophy of Mind
Psychology > Evolutionary Psychology
Biology > Evolution
ID Code:6134
Deposited By: Malafouris, Dr Lambros
Deposited On:24 Jul 2008 09:55
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:57

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