Ties That Bind: Computational, Cross-cultural Analyses of Knots Reveal Their Cultural Evolutionary History and Significance

Cambridge Archaeological Journal • Vol/Iss. 35 • Cambridge University Press • • Published In • Pages: 472-488 •
By Kaaronen, Roope O. , Henrich, Allison K. , Manninen, Mikael A. , Walsh, Matthew J. , Wisher, Isobel , Eronen, Jussi T. , Riede, Felix

Abstract

To explore the fundamental nuances of knots, this study analyzes patterns of knot tying in an evolutionary cross-cultural lens. The results highlight a set of staple knots congruent across societies that implies the fundamentality of knots to human technology and innovation, exposing both strong patterns of social learning as well as task and subsistence diversity. The knot theory and computational string matching methods used in this study could be expanded to larger string or tying analysis in the future. Geographical proximity is not generally an important factor.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's Own86 archaeologically/ethnographically documented societies spanning over 12 millennia
eHRAF ArchaeologyResearcher's Own86 archaeologically/ethnographically documented societies spanning over 12 millennia

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
Societies around the world will use similar knot tying styles to solve similar daily issues.Support Claimed
There will be differences in the geographical distribution of identical knot pairs to non-identical knot pairsNot Supported
In naïve knot-tying populations, the granny knot (the simpler of the two) will appear more often than the reef knot (more complicated of the two)Not Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: hattie.berke