LAUSR

Abstract Alexander Marshack focused attention of prehistorians on artifacts with marks that appeared to be notations. He interpreted many of these artifacts as day counts in lunar phases. These views were sometimes challenged on technical grounds, but little has been done since Marshack's work to understand what such marks might represent. The aim of this article is to establish a preliminary framework for interpreting prehistoric notations. This involves: distinguishing notations from decoration or other types of marking; establishing a range of uses from known ethnographic notations; identifying diagnostic features of notational artifacts; and providing provisional interpretations of some prehistoric examples of notations. I provide eight criteria for distinguishing notations from decorations, and suggest several principles for interpreting notations. The ethnographic data indicate that material notations above the range of 10–30 marks are hallmarks of transegalitarian societies usually with relatively complex numerical systems that extend into hundreds or thousands. Combining ethnographic observations and theoretical considerations, I conclude that there are a number of distinctive record keeping patterns in material remains related to: 1) public displays, 2) feasting, 3) private debts or records, and 4) astronomical records.