Skeuomorphs, Pottery, and Technological Change

Abstract

Skeuomorphs are copies of prototype artifacts replicated in different physical materials in the derivative objects. The skeuomorph copy may or may not have a utilitarian function, and the original function of the prototype attribute may change or become less functional with successive copying. Because skeuomorphs are an imitation of the prototype model, they are iconic representations. Archaeological examples of pottery vessel skeuomorphs are presented and interpreted with evidence from ethnography, psychology, and modern material culture. This review lends support to the proposal that skeuomorphism is a causal factor in technological change. Skeuomorphs facilitate acceptance of innovations in artifacts by (1) materializing the pre-existing familiar value of prototypes as attributes transferred to unfamiliar derivative objects; (2) evoking positive social memories associated with the prototype; and (3) creating broader scales of value by creating novel variants of similar objects. [skeuomorph, pottery, technological change]RESUMEN Los esqueumorfos son copias de los artefactos prototipos replicados en materiales físicos diferentes en los objetos derivativos. La copia esqueumorfa puede o no tener una función utilitaria, y la función original del atributo prototipo puede cambiar o llegar a ser menos funcional con copiado sucesivo. Debido a que esqueumorfos son una imitación del modelo prototipo, ellos son representaciones icónicas. Ejemplos arqueológicos de vasos de cerámicas esqueumorfas son presentados e interpretados con evidencia de etnografía, psicología, y cultura material moderna.Con esta revisión, presté apoyo a la propuesta que esqueumorfismo es un factor causal en cambio tecnológico. Los esqueumorfos facilitan la aceptación de las innovaciones en artefactos al (1) materializar el preexistente valor familiar de los prototipos como atributos transferidos a objetos derivativos no reconocidos; (2) evocar memorias sociales positivas asociadas con el prototipo; y (3) crear escales más amplias de valor diseñando variantes innovadoras de objetos similares. [esqueumorfo, cerámica, cambio tecnológico, arqueología] T he claim that the shapes and surface treatments of early ceramic containers were copies-skeuomorphs-of nonceramic containers is an old observation with considerable history, but U.S. archaeologists rarely discuss its significance for understanding technological change within the archaeological record. Most researchers privilege utilitarian or economic factors in the innovation and adoption of ceramic vessels and other artifacts. I propose that skeuomorphs, which include designs unrelated to utilitarian needs, were instrumental in the acceptance of innovations such as pottery. In presenting this interpretation of the role of skeuomorphs in the innovation and adoption of pottery, I review evidence from archaeology, ethnology, and experimental psychology.First, I introduce skeuomorphism and identify ceramic vessel skeuomorphs. Next, I review archaeological approaches to technological change and consider ...

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“…Some of the evidence for interaction among artisans working in different media might be considered 'indirect', in the sense that similarities in appearance are seen as reflecting a transmission of ideas between industries (McGovern 1989;Rebay-Salisbury, et al 2014). This could be argued in instances of skeuomorphism, wherein objects are made in reference to or representation of products more commonly manufactured in another material (Knappett 2002;Blitz 2015). Such skeuomorphism has long been supposed between pottery vessels and metal plate by archaeologists working in the classical Mediterranean world; Vickers and Gill (Vickers 1994;Vickers and Gill 1994) have, for example, demonstrated morphological and stylistic parallels between ceramic table wares and silver and gold vessels, and Stern (1997) has demonstrated parallels between rock crystal and clear glass.…”

The Olmec Spoon Reconsidered: Material Meanings of Jade, Nacreous Shells, and Pearls in Ancient Mesoamerica

“…In broad terms, remaking an esteemed form may elevate the value of a new material or a familiar material of lesser worth (Vickers 1989; Vickers and Gill 1994), or the use of a valued material may mark an object as distinct among other similar objects made of less-valued materials (Houston 2014:65–66). In a similar vein, some scholars have argued that skeuomorphs may have recalled established technologies in order to help new technologies or materials gain acceptance (Blitz 2015; Taylor 1999). Although perhaps not central to their arguments, early theorists of skeuomorphism recognized an ancient tendency to replicate prototypes in more durable material, which in particular seems to have been a driving force in the production of skeuomorphs among the Classic Maya (Houston 2014:54).…”

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“…As an evolutionary process, skeuomorphism reveals the intersections between the utilitarian and representational attributes and processes in technological changes (Blitz 2015; Frieman 2010), as well as the simultaneity of familiarity (pastness) and novelty (futurity) in technologies (Fleming and Brown 2015, 84). As symbolic icons like the material shapes of the envelope for e-mails, diskette for saving online documents, and trash bin for deleted data, contemporary skeuomorphs help with technological transitions in computerization and digitalization by bridging past values to new practices (Blitz 2015). Their ornamental designs serve as nonfunctional luxuries like faux-installations in architecture that aim to convey the affordances of traditional craftsmanship.…”