answered: Item #8). In this section, “Abundance of Nonutilitarian Obje

  

Item #8). In this section, “Abundance of Nonutilitarian Objects,” explains how people express themselves with “nonutilitarian objects,” or in other words, objects of adornment. Even though humans look very alike, these objects of adornment that people wear give a different identity, purpose, and character from others. Just like modern humans, pre-modern humans throughout the years have crafted various objects of adornment. One of the oldest items of adornment to be found was in the Grotte des Pigeons, or Pigeon Cave, in Morocco where excavators recovered thirteen perforated mollusk shell ornaments which date back roughly 82,000 years ago. Each of the perforated shell beads had holes in them, which implies that they could have been hung into a necklace. In addition, these same perforated shells were found again in abundance in the Blombos Cave in South Africa. Nevertheless, Africa was not the only continent to have necklaces recovered, but also central Asia. In 15,000 B.P. remnants of a small child were unearthed and along with the child was a necklace that was made of bone and antler beads. Just like modern humans, pre-modern humans have created these objects of adornment for individual identity.
My question stems from this section itself, page 191. The author states that throughout history, humans have created objects that are nonutilitarian. But why do these objects that were created several thousands of years ago considered not useful? In my opinion, these “nonutilitarian objects” do have a purpose. It necessarily does not have to be about survival. Humans wear necklaces with crosses or a Buddha, is to show their religious beliefs. But, I think the reason why the author considered these objects of adornment made thousands of years ago to be nonutilitarian is that there is a lack of significance or why they’re made is still yet to be known.
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A very good point that the author makes in subheading 9 is that no matter someones religion or beliefs whenever someone dies their death always has a toll on loved ones and almost always results in a burial. Although after death we all end up in the same place six feet underneath the ground , it is up to an individual how they view life after death. Some people may people that once someone dies they simply die and thats the end of it. As well some people think that after death comes the after life. There is a famous modern folktale of a Californian women being buried seated at the wheel of her brand new Jaguar. For some people this can seem absurd and a waste of a car but for others it can be something that they will need in the afterlife. Egyptian Pharaohs are best known for believing in the afterlife and being buried with items they loved , like food jewelry , furniture and even other people. Hundreds of years later that this was discovered no one really knows why they did such a thing. It can be anywhere from believing in the afterlife or simply because someone those items to be buried with them.