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37Woven baskets characterized by a particular distinctive pattern have previously been found only in the immediate vicinity of the prehistoric village of Palea and therefore were believed to have been unique to the Palean people. Recently, however, archaeologists discovered such a "Palean" basket in Lithos, an ancient village across the Brim River from Palea. The Brim River is very deep and broad, and so the ancient Paleans could only have crossed it by boat, but there is no evidence that the Paleans had boats. And boats capable of carrying groups of people and cargo were not developed until thousands of years after the Palean people disappeared. Moreover, Paleans would have had no need to cross the river—the woods around Palea are full of nuts, berries, and small game. It follows that the so-called Palean baskets were not unique to Palea
Prior to accepting the conclusion that the Palean baskets were not unique to Palea, the evidence presented in the above argument require close examination from other perspectives.
To begin with, it is tampting to think that the only way Paleans could go to Lithos is through the Brim River, since the Lithos is located across the Brim River from Palea. However, no evidence is provided to prove this. Perhaps there was no river between Palea and Lithos in prehistoric times, and the deep and broad Brim River may come into being after the Palean have brought their Woven baskets to Lithos. In fact, hisroty abounds with many rivers which have changed their courses during the long period of time, such as Yellow River in China. Without careful scientific examination, their previous channel may be difficult to identify. Even if the Brim River has been there from the very beginning, it is still possible that Paleans arrived at Lithos indirectly via other villages which linked the Palea and Lithos. There may be other villages bordering on Palea, through these villages, Paleans may find another detour leading to Lithos.
Even if Paleans have no choice but to cross the river if they want to reach Lithos, no evidence is provided that they have to depend on boats. Archaeologists fail to take other possibilities into consideration. Such possibilities may include the water level and bridges. It is likely that the water level of Brim River varies with different periods of time. During high water period, the river is deep and broad, while in the low water period, the water level may be so low that Palean can swim or even walk across the river safely. It is possible that during low water period, Paleans brought their woven baskets to Lithos. In addition, there may be a bridge across the river which link the Paleo and Lithos in the prehistoric time. Paleans can go to Lithos anytime they want, it is not only safe but also very convenient to walk across the bridge. Archaeologists should rule out those possibilities before drawing further conclusion.
The argumnet unfairly present assume that there is no need for Paleans to cross the river, given their sufficient food storage, berries and small game. But this assumption overlook other reasons that Paleans cross the river. Such reasons may include cultural communication and trade. The two neighboring villages may have various kinds of cultural communication with each other. They may learn and influence each other the languages, customs and folk arts. So they need to cross the river to have cultural exchange with their neighbours. It is also possible that Paleans cross the river to meet friends with their neighbors, and there may be intermarriage between the two villages. In addition, despite the fact that Paleans are full of nuts, berries and small game, they may also need to cross the river to trade other things that do not exist in Palea. Such as crafts, clothes and other commodities. Through trade, Paleans can use their abundant goods such as nuts to exchange for something they do not have, improving their life quality.
In conclusion, it is too early to say that Palean baskets are not unique to Palea. Much work have to be done in order to figure out the real origins of Palean baskets.
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发表于 2009-9-12 00:56:10
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