Directionality of human evolution: a perspective from the archaeology of Entanglement

Abstract

This paper introduces the potentialities of «entanglement theory» in archaeology. Entanglement theory proposes that humans and things develop bidirectional relations that generate ever-growing interdependencies through time. To display this theoretical approach the author uses entanglement to explore technological innovations in the Middle East during the Neolithic period. Using things such as the sickle, spinning, the wheel and ceramics the author discusses issues such as the directionality of development, progress and complexity. Following this line, the author asks: Is the human species destined to develop in a specific direction? If so, which theory better illustrates this directionality?.