The Fluidity of Mind: The Study of the Role of Material Culture as a Mnemonic Tool

Subject Areas : Archaeology

Maryam Farsi ^{1 *} , Javad Hoseinzadeh Sadati ²

1 - MA in Archaeology
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran.

Received: 2025-04-01 Accepted : 2025-06-17 Published : 2025-08-22

Keywords: Cognitive Evolutionary Archaeology, Material Culture, Memory in Action, Fluidity of Memory, Extended Cognition, Material Engagement Theory (MET),

Abstract :

This paper explores the role of material culture in shaping and sustaining human memory, a vital cognitive process essential for the continuity of human experiences and behaviors. Emphasizing the complex interactions between humans and objects, the study demonstrates that objects are not merely tools for interpreting past culture and behavior but actively contribute to the formation of human memory and cognition. Drawing on cognitive evolutionary archaeology, evolutionary psychology, and philosophy, the paper addresses a gap in the discourse of archaeological anthropology. It challenges the view that cultural materials are solely imbued with symbolic meanings, created to convey messages to past humans. Instead, it suggests that material culture functions as a mnemonic device, helping recall past memories and influencing human actions. The study posits that the human mind is a fluid entity, shaped through interactions with the body and the environment. Objects, in this view, act as extensions of the body, transforming perception and interaction with the world. The paper aims to provide a systematic review of existing research on the role of objects and cultural materials in memory formation and continuity. It seeks to answer key questions: How does material culture act as a memory trigger? What theories explain the relationship between memory and objects? How do objects influence human cognition, particularly in archaeological contexts? Through a systematic analysis, this review seeks to deepen our understanding of how material culture impacts memory and cognitive processes.

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