Böcker av Yoshihiro Nishiaki

This book is based on the research performed for the Replacement of Neanderthals by Modern Humans Project. The central issue of the project is the investigation of possible differences between the two populations in cognitive ability for learning. The project aims to evaluate a unique working hypothesis, coined as the learning hypothesis, which postulates that differences in learning eventually resulted in the replacement of those populations. The book deals with relevant archaeological records to understand the learning behaviours of Neanderthals and modern humans. Learning behaviours are conditioned by numerous factors including not only cognitive ability but also cultural traditions, social structure, population size, and life history. The book addresses the issues in two parts, comparing learning behaviours in terms of cognitive ability and social environments, respectively. Collectively, it provides new insights into the behavioural characteristics of Neanderthals and modern humans from a previously overlooked perspective. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of understanding learning in prehistory, the driving force for any development of culture and technology among human society.

This study examines the interpretative possibilities of stone tools for understanding cultural development in the Levantine Neolithic. The emphasis is on behavioural aspects of lithic industries such as core reduction and raw material use rather than on typological study of particular tool forms. Analysis of raw material procurement, core reduction and tool manufacturing processes were carried out for the material from Douara Cave II, Tell Damishliyya, Tell Nebi Mend and Tell Kashkashok II. The inter-relations between sites have been looked at and the results show that the change from Pre-Pottery to the Pottery Neolithic was characterized by the increasing use of locally available material, as well as a move from specialized blade to more expedient flake production. The suggestion is that the change in lithic technology closely reflected changing patterns in settlement system, subsistence economy and social organization.