Early neolithic social networks in western Germany

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008 372 (Abstract)

PDF, English Download (1MB) | Terms of use

Abstract

Applications of the social network approach in archaeology have been conducted in the course of a PhD thesis at the University of Cologne (Classen 2006). These analyses dealt with exchange mechanisms involved in the distribution of raw material for flint artefact production, as well as with similarities in pottery decoration, which serve as an indicator of “communication networks” between settlements of the Early Neolithic “Bandkeramik” in the Rhineland. Network analytical methods were used to visualize networks and to describe the properties of the different networks in distinct phases of the Early Neolithic in Western Germany. One result of these analyses is a change in the relationships between settlements over time, which is regarded as indicative of a changing social structure. Whereas in the earlier phases, kinship seems to have had a greater influence on relationships, at the end of the Early Neolithic in Western Germany, alliances were formed for other reasons.