Whatever the name tag, the emphasis of this approach is firmly on the symbolic nature of much human behaviour. At the most complex this symbolism encompasses the representation of aspects of the real world or of otherworldly or supernatural concepts. For the archaeologist, the problem is whether the material record leaves sufficient evidence which can provide testable interpretations of how this symbolism operated for our predecessors. The key word here is 'testable', not the leaky methodology which leads only to 'interpretation'. Clearly, testable theories can only highlight some features of prehistoric thinking without revealing precise thoughts.
Archeology is rooted in cognition.
Other studies of American Indian customs demonstrate that there was a clear symbolic link between depictions of birds, tobacco pipes and with shamanic activities. This world-view serves in some way as a means of determining the individual's future activities. Like so much theoretical archaeology, cognitive archaeology is wrapped up with idiomatic hyperbole. What is important for Mercian Mysteries readers is the awareness that 'real' archaeologists are developing a worthwhile methodology that readily incorporates ritual and symbolism. Not only does this close the gap between academe and earth mysteries, but means that the next decade should produce some revolutionary revisions and reinerpretations of prehistory.