Inconsistent Objects and the Limits of the Technical-Historical Narrative

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Authors: Andres Sebastian Bonomi Aguirre
Cited by: 0

Abstract

This paper investigates a class of archaeological objects whose formal and technical characteristics resist clear functional interpretation within established historical narratives. Without proposing alternative technologies or extraordinary hypotheses, the analysis focuses on the epistemological mechanisms by which interpretive closure emerges when material evidence exceeds available explanatory categories. Through case studies including hard-stone vessels, the Sabū Disk, early symbolic artifacts, and acoustically relevant structures, the work highlights a recurring pattern of early appearance, high technical coherence, and minimized functional exploration. The paper argues that these objects mark the boundary of current interpretive frameworks and calls for sustaining analytical discomfort rather than prematurely resolving uncertainty.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Archaeological and Geological Studies Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
10 February 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint