| Abstract: |
White and Hamilton's *Ban Chiang* argues for a paradigm shift in understanding cultural evolution, particularly the relationship between metallurgy and social change. They challenge the assumption that technological advancements, like metallurgy, always lead to social transformation, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach that integrates village-level skills with broader cultural diffusion. The book critiques outdated models like the "Three-Age-System" and highlights the discrepancy between technological mastery and societal development, using Ban Chiang as a case study. While focusing on metallurgy, the authors call for a more evidence-based archaeological framework, rejecting linear, evolutionary perspectives in favor of a more contextual, material-centric analysis.
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