Making Value, Making Meaning: Techné in the Pre-Columbian World

A groundbreaking volume explores the concept of techné to illuminate pre-Columbian craft production, revealing its role in shaping value and meaning within ancient Andean and Mesoamerican societies. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining archaeological analysis with the chaîne opératoire method to dissect the technical processes behind artifacts like pottery, textiles, and metal adornments. Key findings highlight how skilled craftsmanship was intricately linked to political and ritual economies, with some contributions emphasizing the agency of materials in these contexts. The research offers a nuanced understanding of ancient artisans' knowledge and the cultural significance of their creations, spanning from coastal cultures to highland sites like Tiwanaku.

Bray, T. L. (2018). Making Value, Making Meaning: Techné in the Pre-Columbian World. Hispanic American Historical Review, 98(2), 300–302. https://doi.org/10.1215/00182168-4376993