Avoidance and resolution of conflict in societies without central power. Socio-theoretical models based on ethnographic evidence and their relevance in archaeology

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Due to the selective nature of archaeological data, material remains are not self-explanatory. In order to avoid the projection of contemporaneous societal elements, the evaluation of ethnographical records of pre-state societies is reasonable. The project investigates ethnographies with a focus on modes of prevention and resolution of violent conflicts. Since the Mid-Nineties, prehistoric archaeology has abandoned the concept of a “pacified past” and directed itself to the study of phenomena related to conflict and violence. This change of perspective was not only prompted by spectacular discoveries like those from Talheim or the Tollense Valley but also by recent ethnological theories postulating a Hobbesian condition of hostility in societies without central power. Violent conflicts are not seen as exceptions but as an integral component of prehistoric life. The concentration on effective violence whilst neglecting averted violence results in misleading violence-biased scenarios of prehistoric life reality. Therefore, the aim of the project is to develop theoretically informed and empirically based models of the handling of violent conflicts in groups without central power. Subsequently, these models are contrasted with archaeological interpretations, narratives, and discourses. Using a comparative approach it is evaluated how groups can prevent the outbreak of violence or, if emerging, to derive solutions at different escalation levels. One focus lies on the effects of reciprocal structures, both in their positive and negative forms. The former create and maintain a variant of peaceful social relations while the latter produces mutual destructive action. Another research question is the importance of material culture in conflict prevention and resolution. Which functions of memory and visualisation can objects represent in the social memory of illiterate cultural groups? What are the practices they are used in? From a methodological point of view, the project combines a qualitative, case reconstructive research design with a large number of cases. This allows generalised statements beyond individual case studies which can lead to new theoretical models.