An aboriginal fish trap
Things get made because individuals generate ideas about reality to solve problems.
Broadly
speaking, problems fall into one of three categories according to the type of object that is desired.
- The primary purpose of thinking is
to discover ways of managing local resources for
survival, and then to improve the local quality of life. Things are made which are obviously
useful. These may be described as worked representations of these basic family and
community behaviours, and the prime objects are tools, weapons, body coverings, and
shelter from the elements. Things in this category may be described as worked
representations of human behaviour. Things in this category may be described as worked
representations of human behaviour.
- Another class of ideas about reality
is concerned with how to communicate inner feelings
about values and beliefs. These concern the problems of human origins, cosmic destiny
social continuity between generations, and how to predict environmental uncertainties of
the natural world. Plans, writings, cult objects and paintings come into this class. Things
in this category may be described as worked representations of reality.
- The third category of ideas is intermediate
between the obviously practical applications of
mental activity, and the less useful objects which encapsulate more abstract thoughts.
The general problem is how to refine utilitarian objects so that they are more satisfying
aesthetically. For example, careful examination of stone axes in a site-collection will
usually reveal variations in time and skill devoted to the finished object. These
embellishments do not improve function but make the object more pleasing to the maker.
By the 3rd millennium BC, factories were turning out polished stone axes which were
traded for their appearance. They were not for everyday use and had become ‘works of
art’. They were often buried as part of grave goods indicating that the utilitarian value
had
undergone a spirittual transformation. Things in this category may be described as refined
representations of human behaviour.
