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Anthropomorphism could be described as a production of analogies generated by human cognition. As a result, anthropomorphism is a universal cultural trait present in all cultures at all times, and one of the cognitive fundamentals of humankind: that of projecting a human corporal image over the surrounding world. It is present in the imaginary, mythologies, religions, and material culture of all ages, being an important subject of archaeology. This book approaches anthropomorphism from the moment of anthropogenesis, tracing its presence in nature and material culture in prehistory and Antiquity. The cover image serves as a metaphor, joining together two perceptions of anthropomorphism: a rational one, that of the female columns at the Erechtheion temple in Athens; and a case of pareidolia, namely a figure with outstretched arms on a rock pillar at the Externsteine rocks in Germany.

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9781789694994

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Dragoş Gheorghiu is a historical anthropologist/archaeologist and experimentalist whose studies focus on the process of cognition, material culture, ancient technologies, and iconography. Professor Gheorghiu has edited books on anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, fire in archaeology, fire as an instrument, early ceramic traditions, metaphorical thought, experientiality and imagination in archaeology. During the last two decades he carried out large scale experiments of art and archaeology. Vincent C. Paladino is a cognitive anthropologist/archaeologist and educator who specializes in the study of audiovisual technologies, cyber environments, and feedback systems, which he terms anthrocyberism. His research focuses on the effect of these modern technologies on human cognition and behavior. His research interests include archaeoacoustics, investigating the role of sound in ancient contexts and its connection to cognitive processes and learning in both historical and contemporary settings.

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