ABSTRACT
Knowledge networks are entangled with materials and associated technologies. This volume emphasises the significance of material objects to the construction, maintenance and collapse of human social networks of various forms, which are central to explanations of cultural contact and change. Materiality—the properties, affordances, functions and styles of different materials—is intrinsically linked to the way in which knowledge flows and technologies are transmitted. Transmission of technologies from one craft to another is one of the main drivers of innovation, whilst sharing knowledge is enabled and limited by the extent of associated social networks in place.
